Paul Atkinson works out for Los Angeles Lakers ahead of 2022 NBA Draft
Paul Atkinson is getting some quality looks ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft.
The former Notre Dame forward worked out with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, the Lakers said via Twitter. He was one of six players to work out with Los Angeles, including former Vanderbilt star Scotty Pippen Jr. and former Loyola Chicago standout Lucas Williamson.
Atkinson had a big year for Notre Dame after transferring from Yale. He started 34 of 35 games as a graduate transfer, averaging 12.5 points and a team-high 6.9 rebounds per game to help the Fighting Irish to a 24-11 overall record and a 15-5 record in ACC play. He also hit the game-winning shot during the First Four of the NCAA Tournament to send Notre dame past Rutgers and into the Field of 64.
Notre Dame eventually fell to Texas Tech in the Round of 32 after defeating Alabama in the first round of the tournament. Atkinson is one of two former Fighting Irish stars to stay in the NBA Draft, joining Blake Wesley. Nate Laszewski withdrew from the draft ahead of the deadline to maintain his college eligibility, meaning he’ll return to Mike Brey’s group next season.
Notre Dame also has a solid recruiting class coming next season, including three four-stars and two top-100 recruits as part of the nation’s No. 23 recruiting class, according to the On3 Consensus Team Rankings. JJ Starling is a top 25 recruit and Ven-Allen Lubin is the nation’s No. 82 prospect, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Former Notre Dame star Blake Wesley show varied skillset at workout
Former Notre Dame men’s basketball star Blake Wesley has impressed so far as he prepares for the 2022 NBA Draft. On Saturday, while in front of a number of NBA executives and scouts, Wesley showed varied skillset during a workout at the CAA Pro Day.
Wesley completed just one season at Notre Dame. As a true freshman, the South Bend, IN, native led the team in scoring, averaging 14.4 points per game on 40.4% shooting from the field and 30.3% from deep. He also added in 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and led the team in steals at 1.3 per game.
According to ESPN’s most recent mock draft, Wesley is projected as a late first-round pick, with his likely landing spot being a Memphis Grizzlies. If he lands in Memphis, he will team up with another young talented, athletic guard in Grizzlies superstar point Ja Morant. Wesley and teammate Paul Atkinson are both hoping to hear their names called in the draft June 23.