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Rookie Selected Second Overall Says He Aims to Emulate Bryant’s Two-Way Play
The player drafted second overall in the 2026 NBA Draft discussed his defensive goals and named Bryant as his idol during a media session. He cited similar rebound and steal averages from his single college season and Bryant’s career.
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The player selected second overall in the 2026 NBA Draft told reporters he hopes to match Bryant’s ability to contribute on both ends of the court. “I’m a Kobe guy; he played both sides of the ball,” the player said. ” The player averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24 games during one season at the University of Kansas.
He also recorded 3.5 defensive rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
Background on the comparison Bryant posted career averages of 4.1 defensive rebounds and 1.4 steals per game over 20 seasons. The player, listed at 6-5 and 205 pounds, has similar height and weight to Bryant’s listed 6-6 and 212 pounds. The player said his 6-10 wingspan should aid his defensive efforts and added that he is willing to guard elite competition despite limited prior experience at that level.
Bryant won five championships, earned two NBA Finals MVP awards and was named league MVP in 2008.
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