Draft Notebook: Upshaw Contrite, Harrison Twins Ready to Separate

The NBA Draft is less than a month away, and will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25.

Prospects are zigzagging across the nation to interview and workout with teams, with hopes of improving their draft stock.

Recently, BDA Sports held a workout for approximately 150 NBA executives, showcasing a number of their clients, including Frank Kaminsky, Stanley Johnson and Kelly Oubre.

BDA client and star prospect Jahlil Okafor, projected to be a top-two pick, did not work out — arriving as the event came to a close.

Robert Upshaw Looking For Another Shot

Another intriguing BDA prospect is center Robert Upshaw.

Upshaw was let go from two universities, Fresno State and Washington, after a number of substance abuse violations.

“You learn something new every day, everyone makes mistakes,” said the 21-year-old seven-footer.  “It would be a whole different process for me if I didn’t have a lot of drive behind me but I do.  I’m hungry for this next level.”

Upshaw blocked 4.5 shots, while scoring 10.9 points with 8.2 rebounds in 24.9 minutes a game.

“I’m a great teammate.  I’m a defensive presence,” he said.  “I consider myself the best defensive player in the country this year, even though I wasn’t able to finish my stint at the University of Washington.”

That’s the red flag that has Upshaw outside of the lottery, possibly dropping to the second round. But with his measurements (7’5.5 wingspan and a 9’5 stranding reach) and a jovial personality, he seems more likely to climb on draft night than fall.

“All the interviews have been going really well,” said Upshaw.  “I’ve been honest, open and upfront about everything.”

“I want to be truthful when I go on to this next phase, so I can build that network with a lot of people and have a lot of good friends,” he continued.  “I’m ready.  I’m more ready than I’ve ever been.  I just need one team to give me a shot.”

Harrison Twins Ready To Go Their Separate Ways

Kentucky’s Harrison twins, Aaron and Andrew, scrimmaged in separated groups, looking to establish individual identities away from the Wildcats.

“We’re excited about that,” said Aaron Harrison.  “I think we’re going to be pretty cool and just want to get it started, taking that next step in our lives.”

“We’re not inseparable,” said Andrew Harrison.  “We’re just together all the time.”

The sophomore brothers are both 6’6.  Aaron is a shooting guard while Andrew plays the point.

“I can’t wait to show them what I can do.  I’m so excited,” said Andrew Harrison.  “[I’m] in attack mode with my size, playing offense and defense as hard as I can on every possession.”

Aaron Harrison isn’t ranked as high, but is working diligently to get selected by a team on draft night.

“I’m a consistent shooter and ball hander.  I can create for my teammates,” he said.  “I can’t wait.  No nerves, just ready to get started.”

Andrew Harrison averaged 9.3 points with 3.6 assists a game this past season, shooting 37.8 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three-point range.  His brother contributed 11.0 points a night while hitting 39.5 percent and 31.6 percent, respectively.

The Wildcats were one game away from the national championship in April, before losing in the Final Four to Kaminsky’s Wisconsin Badgers.  It was Kentucky’s first and only loss of the season.

“You have to let it go,” said Andrew Harrison.  “You’ll never get a chance to play for Kentucky again.  Everything happens for a reason.”