Durham’s Josh Hall, a former NC State signee, invited to NBA Draft Combine
Durham native Josh Hall made the choice to head to the NBA instead of playing college basketball. It was a risky decision, but it looks like it’s paying off.
Hall will have the chance to display his skills in front of NBA personnel after being one of the 105 players invited to the NBA Combine. Originally scheduled to take place in May, but postponed because of COVID-19, the NBA Combine is a three-day event to give front office executives and coaches a chance to see prospects up close.
NBA hopefuls have their measurements taken, go through drills and compete in five-on-five games. The NBA Combine has not been rescheduled yet. It was reported by The Athletic that it could take place after the NBA Draft lottery, which is scheduled for Aug. 20.
Hall, who played last season at Moravian Prep in Hickory, announced on April 6 that he would test the NBA Draft process. On April 30, Hall (6-9, 190) posted on his Instagram account that he was staying in the draft and hiring an agent.
Hall was supposed to be the centerpiece of Kevin Keatts’ class of 2020 at N.C. State, but after a 51-point game in December, the buzz around Hall testing the NBA started. It became official this spring and Hall has been working toward the NBA Draft since.
Hall is one of just two high-schoolers on the list. The other is KJ Martin, the son of former No. 1 pick Kenyon Martin. Prep school players are eligible for the NBA draft if they turn 19 during the same calendar year as the draft or are at least one year removed from the graduation of their high school class.
The list of 105 invites was voted on by NBA teams. The list could be trimmed down to 70, which will also be voted on by NBA teams. Last season Hall averaged 24 points per game, leading the Lions to a 34-3 record.
His father, Quincy, said the combine invite was big.
“He’s been working his buff off on the court and in film sessions,” Quincy Hall wrote to the N&O in a text message Monday morning. “We finally get a chance to showcase his skill set. He’s one of the safest picks in the draft, if you ask me.”
With a 6-foot-9 frame and the ability to handle with both hands, Hall has a game that has been compared to one-time NBA MVP Kevin Durant. He has spent the offseason training in Charlotte, according to Quincy Hall.
Josh Hall rose to stardom his senior season of high school, climbing up the rankings and finishing No. 2 in North Carolina. At the John Wall Holiday Invitational, Hall was one of the fan favorites, taking pictures with kids and signing autographs for ball boys. At the time, Hall said he couldn’t imagine being in that position a year earlier. Now he could put himself in a situation to get paid to play the game he loves.
“I’ll be completely honest,” Quincy Hall told the N&O in April. “I saw it coming. He just had a body, like mine. Our bodies develop late. He stretched out way later than he should have. He had a really late growth spurt.”
Another former N.C. State commit, Jalen Lecque, went the same route a year ago and went undrafted. He signed a four-year deal with the Phoenix Suns and spent most of the season with the organization’s G-League team.
NBADraftRoom.com mock draft has Hall going in the second round, No. 58 to the Toronto Raptors and compares him to TayShaun Prince. Other mock drafts don’t have Hall going in either of the two rounds. Either way, the chance to improve his stock is one the Hall family looks forward to.
“His camp can’t get him out there competing,” Quincy said. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime and we’re looking to capitalize off it.”
NOTES: Four other players from Triangle schools were on the NBA Combine invite list: Cassius Stanley (Duke); Cole Anthony (UNC); Tre Jones (Duke); Vernon Carey (Duke).
