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Heat coach Erik Spoelstra: There is “no better way” to prepare for the NBA than at Kentucky

The NBA Draft has been quite kind to the Miami Heat organization in recent years, and the Kentucky basketball program has a lot to do with it.

In 2017, the Heat selected former Kentucky forward Bam Adebayo with the 14th overall pick.

At the time, Heat president Pat Riley – a former Wildcat himself – had astronomical optimism for the 6-foot-9 forward, telling reporters at Adebayo’s introductory press conference that he saw a legendary career in his future.

“One day,” Riley said holding up Adebayo’s new No. 13 uniform, “this jersey is going to be hanging up in the rafters.