Michigan's Ignas Brazdeikis recently participated in a workout for the Detroit Pistons, and while he hasn't 100% committed to this year's NBA Draft, it doesn't sound like he's going to be returning to Ann Arbor for his sophomore year.
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“Definitely leaning toward staying in (the Draft) for sure,” he said after taking part in one of two six-man workout groups the Pistons hosted on Monday. “Talk to my agent and we’re going to make an announcement soon about it.”
“I felt comfortable among the best players. I felt really good out there,” he continued. “That definitely plays a role, but my intention from the start was to stay in the entire time and get drafted as high as I could.”
The Pistons hosted five players ranked in ESPN's top 60, with four of them in Brazdeikis' group. Louis King of Oregon checks in at number 35. LSU’s Naz Reid checks in at 48, while Virginia Tech point guard Justin Robinson is 52nd and Mississippi State shooting guard Quinndary Weatherspoon is 57th. Brazdeikis himself ranks 46th overall.
He's aware that teams will be looking at his ability to guard during workouts, but he thinks he's up to the task.
“I think that has been a question my entire life, but I think I’ve proven it day in and day out,” he said. “I think I can guard from two to four, actually. I’m confident in myself guarding those positions and I think I fit in well guarding perimeter players. The bigger four men, I think I’m physical enough to guard them, definitely.”
Brazdeikis believes he accomplished enough at Michigan showcasing his game, and to be able to be successful at the NBA level.
“I think I’ve done a great job this year to show many different aspects of my game,” he said. “I think I’m mature enough and I think I have the mentality to succeed at the next level.”
