Michigan’s D.J. Wilson drafted 17th by Milwaukee Bucks
Former Michigan forward D.J. Wilson was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 17th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft.
D.J. Wilson, the former Michigan Wolverines forward, was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 17th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft on Thursday.
Wilson, who just completed his redshirt sophomore season at Michigan, declared for the draft on April 10. He suffered a quadriceps injury before the NBA combine which caused him to sit out of all of the physical workouts and five-on-five play. Still, given assurances that he would still be drafted in the first round, Wilson opted to remain in the draft, making his announcement on May 24. He was not invited to the green room at the draft.
More from Detroit Jock City
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
Wilson stands 6’8 3/4″ and weighs 234 pounds. He scored 11 points per game and averaged 5.3 rebounds per game in 30.4 minutes per game during his final season at Michigan, shooting 52.5% from the floor, 36.3% on three-point attempts and 81.7% from the free throw line. He and his Michigan teammates won the Big Ten Tournament and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament.
Mike Schmitz and Josh Riddell of DraftExpress say that Wilson “is agile and moves his feet well on the perimeter… he has elite physical tools for the type of big men NBA teams are searching for to stretch the floor.”
Ryan Connors of Land of 10 says “a 6-foot-10 forward who can shoot from 3-point range is exactly what NBA teams need… Wilson still needs to improve his game down low, but that should come with the muscle he’ll surely have to gain as he adjusts to a more physical game.”
CBSSports.com gave the pick a “B+” grade, saying Wilson “can really shoot it, and plays decent D.”
Wilson is now the eighth Michigan underclassman selected in the NBA Draft during the John Beilein era in Michigan. Teammate Moritz Wagner also initially declared for the draft but withdrew his name on May 24.
Next: Detroit Pistons select Luke Kennard with 12th overall pick
The Wolverines will begin their season in November. The Bucks will begin theirs in October.