Thon Maker smiles during his interview after being drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Mike Stobe/Getty Images/AFP
Sudanese big man Thon Maker surprised a lot when he was picked 10th by Milwaukee in the 2016 NBA Draft, and he wants to show the world that he deserves that spot.
Becoming the first prep-to-pro player drafted in the first round since 2004, the 19-year-old center is also setting a tall standard as he embarks on his professional career.
“I would say I’m more like Hakeem Olajuwon,” he said through Cisco Telepresence on Friday. “I’m a big fan of Hakeem because of his footwork. I’ve been studying some of that and it worked out and got me here also.”
“Teams have seen that, they’ve noticed it, and they were surprised that I’m able to do the things that he does.”
Aside from his unusual footwork for a big man, Maker also wants to prove that his effortless workout with Milwaukee in the draft’s buildup was no fluke.
“I was comfortable with my workout. I was very confident. After the workout, I had lunch and dinner with the coaching staff and I just feel really confident and comfortable with them,” he said. “I think I’m also surprised with myself on that one.”
The 7-foot-1 center is hoping to make an impact for the Bucks with his well-rounded game.
“As a rookie, I feel like I can bring to the team a lot of what they need. Being able to play hard no matter what situation, find a way to be impactful, just bring out a lot of length, leadership, dedication: that’s all part of my game. I feel comfortable doing it,” he said. “I’m very excited. I just can’t wait to fly to Milwaukee, get to the gym and get better and just get ready.”