Bill Self says he’s ecstatic that Devonté Graham’s NBA journey will begin in a state near and dear to Graham’s heart: North Carolina.
“Certainly playing in his home state has to be a huge thrill for him,” Self, Kansas’ 16th-year coach, said late Thursday night after Graham, a 6-foot-2, Raleigh, N.C., native was chosen 34th overall (fourth in the second round) of the 2018 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks traded Graham's rights to the Charlotte Hornets for second-round picks in 2019 and 2023.
“What a thrill for a guy to be playing for the franchise that obviously Michael Jordan is basically running,” Self added.