Landers Nolley II Wrapped Up New Orleans Visit Thursday
NEW ORLEANS- Cincinnati's Landers Nolley II visited the New Orleans Pelicans for a private workout. The former Bearcat is not projected to be selected in the 2023 NBA Draft but should get a lot of consideration for an NBA Summer League and G-League roster spot.
The 23-year-old finished first in the American Athletic Conference in 3-point percentage (41%, 12th overall in NCAA) and second in three-pointers made (96). Adding 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists to the stat sheet earned Nolley II First Team All-AAC honors.
Nolley posted 16.8 points per contest, starting all 36 games as the lead option on offense. He posted one of the greatest three-point shooting seasons in Cincinnati's history (41.7% on 6.8 tries per game) and would have plenty of opportunities to shoot his way up from the Birmingham Squadron should the Pelicans make an offer.
Measurables and PreDraft Meetings:
- Age: 23
- Position: SG-SF
- Height: 6'7''
- Weight: 220 lbs
- NBA Comp: Max Struss
- PreDraft Meetings: Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers
It's been a long road to this point. Nolley II was getting NBA Draft attention as a redshirt freshman at Virginia Tech, leading the Hokies with 15.5 points while averaging 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He then transferred to put up over 13 points per game at Memphis before landing with the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Mar 5, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Landers Nolley II (2) shoots against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the second half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
This season could not have gotten off to a better start. Nolley II showcased the full skill set in a 33-point effort in the Maui Invitational. He made 9-of-14 three-pointers tough loss versus Arizona and was officially on the scouting map. After this season, there was no turning back for a final year in the NCAA.
“I’m very proud of Landers,” UC head coach Wes Miller said once Nolley II made a draft announcement. ”In just one year at UC, he impacted our program in many positive ways, improved tremendously on the court and is on track to graduate this spring. As I’ve told everyone privately and publicly, I believe he is ready to play in the NBA and I support his decision. As he takes the next step in his basketball journey, our program will be behind him the entire way."
Nolley II talked with the Indiana Pacers about what needs to be showcased during the pre-draft process and what needs to improve before the NBA Summer League tips off.
Summary: It is hard to disagree with SI's Draft Digest, "Nolley II is a shotmaking wing with positional size and length that brings a clear NBA skill to the floor in his 3-point shooting (41%). He might not be a true 3-and-D prospect because of the lack of ideal defensive prowess, but fits the role because of his shooting and physical tools."
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