BRYAN TERRY / THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Two Former Oklahoma Players Land NBA Free Agent Deals
A pair of Sooners have their shot in the NBA after Thursday night's conclusion of the NBA Draft.
Tanner Groves and Grant Sherfield, the team’s top two scorers last season, each inked contracts at the next level.
While no Oklahoma players were drafted Thursday night, the two collegiate veterans will have a chance to sneak onto an NBA roster with a summer opportunity. Groves’ Summer League contract is with the hometown Oklahoma City Thunder, while Sherfield’s deal is with the Phoenix Suns.
Groves, a 24-year-old forward, spent five seasons in college. After beginning his career at Eastern Washington, the big man transferred to Oklahoma for his final two seasons.
In 32 games last season, Groves tallied 10.2 points on 50.8 percent shooting, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He shot 28.6 percent from 3-point range on 2.6 attempts per game.
During his first season in Norman, the big man shot 38.1 percent from 3-point range and 72.9 percent from the free throw line, showing off his touch from outside the arc. While his numbers fell off in his senior year, Groves was a career 35.3 percent 3-point shooter in college.
The details of his contract haven’t been released, but it’s likely a summer league deal that allows Groves to prove his worth in Las Vegas. If Groves performs, Oklahoma City actively uses its G League squad.
Sherfield transferred to Norman for his final season of collegiate basketball and was Oklahoma’s best player. He averaged a team-high 15.9 points on 39 percent from 3-point range, adding 3.3 assists per night.
The Nevada transfer will look to earn a two-way spot with the Phoenix Suns, a team that’s hurting for depth on an expensive roster.
When Sherfield is in rhythm, he certainly has the ability to be a microwave scorer. He dropped 30 points against No. 1 ranked Alabama and eventual No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller, leading the Sooners to victory.
NBA summer league runs July 3-17 with most of the games taking place in Las Vegas.
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