Tyler Ennis

Alex Kramers

Seated at circular tables in the conference center inside the Westin New York at Times Square and surrounded by a sea of cameras, smartphones and recorders, 20 top-ranked collegiate and international prospects fielded questions from journalists across the globe at Wednesday’s NBA Draft Media Availability session.

Envisioning an exciting opportunity to flourish with the Kings, numerous candidates in contention to be selected with Sacramento’s No. 8 pick spoke favorably about the organization and eagerly anticipated the possibility of joining DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and Co. in purple and black.  “Oh my goodness – that would be incredible,” said Arizona forward Aaron Gordon, who earned First-Team All-Pac-12 and Third-Team Sporting News All-American honors last season. “(Cousins and Gay) are very, very talented players at different positions, so if I could take a (few) pieces from each one of them, it’s going to be a monster.”

An explosive athlete capable of guarding multiple positions, the energetic 6-foot-9 forward ranked among the conference leaders in rebounding (8.0 per game), blocks (1.0) and field goal percentage (49.5), drawing frequent comparisons to four-time NBA All-Star Shawn Marion.

“I believe I’m a high-character person. I believe I’m a good teammate – that’s the main thing,” said Gordon. “(I bring a) high motor and defense – everybody can use defense.”

Forward Julius Randle – who earned Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors en route to guiding the Wildcats to the national championship game – believes he and fellow Kentucky product Cousins would form one of the League’s most formidable frontcourts.  “DeMarcus is extremely talented – a really good player – so I think that frontline could be pretty good,” he said.

The bruising big man raved about Sacramento’s play-calling and history of player development.

“(The Kings) do a good job with their forwards – I see how they let Cuz and Rudy Gay play,” said Randle. “I think they do a good job with young guys, too – letting them work through mistakes.”

A terrific inside-outside scorer, as well as an outstanding rebounder and shot-blocker, Indiana big man Noah Vonleh similarly pictures joining No. 15 to form a multifaceted Sacramento frontline.

“I’m a really versatile guy,” said Vonleh. “I can pull guys away from the basket, face up and I think I would really complement him.”

Following his recent workout in the River City, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Third-Team All-Conference selection came away impressed with Sacramento’s front office and the ownership’s long-term vision.

“I thought they were a pretty well-organized organization,” he said. “They had nice facilities and I just liked everything about them. They said they’re building a new arena, so that would be really nice to (play in].”

Oklahoma St. guard Marcus Smart – who’s drawn high praise for his all-around game and passionate leadership – likewise came away excited by the organization’s direction and upbeat outlook after his Sacramento workout.

“The coaching staff, everybody was great – great attitude and everything’s positive,” said the two-time First-Team All-Big 12 selection.

“It’s a young team that’s competing – (they’re) just looking for more guys to come in, compete and help the team any way they can.”

Louisiana-Lafayette guard Elfrid Payton – a terrific two-way player who stuffed the stat sheet with 19.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.3 steals per outing – explains his playmaking and sound defensive instincts are among his strongest assets.

“(I’d bring) defense and my ability to run a team, try to get people shots when it’s needed and get those big-time stops when we need it, too,” said the 2013-14 All-Sun Belt Conference selection and League’s Defensive Player of the Year.

“A lot of guys in the NBA are great at scoring, and I think my length could help affect that.”

Syracuse freshman guard Tyler Ennis – who averaged an ACC-leading 5.5 assists and 2.1 steals to go along with 12.9 points per game last season – reveals Sacramento’s high-octane offense would perfectly suit his skill set.

“I think (playing for) the Kings is a great situation for whatever point guard is in there,” said the 6-foot-2 dynamo. “They have so much talent on the wings. They have a bunch of young bigs who are really good. To go in there with that kind of talent and have that roster to pitch to … I think it would be a great fit for me as a pass-first guy.”

The Second-Team All-American and All-ACC Defensive Team member received plenty of positive feedback from team personnel during meetings in Chicago and Sacramento.

“They’re really cool – they were my first interview at the (Pre-draft) Combine, so they just seem so down to Earth,” said Ennis. “You’re there with the G.M. and the owner was there to watch me work out, so I think it’s better when you have owners and front office people (who) kind of have a relationship with you.”

Possessing unlimited range and excellent court vision, Michigan guard Nik Stauskas – who connected on 44.2 percent from behind the arc while leading the Wolverines in both scoring (17.5 points per game) and assists (3.3) – anticipates his outside touch would be a welcome addition.

“I know they have DeMarcus Cousins down low – obviously he’s one of the best bigs in the League – they have Isaiah Thomas, Ben McLemore, Rudy Gay,” said the Big Ten Player of the Year. “They have a really talented group over there, so if I can come in and help space the floor, make shots for them, it would be key.”

Duke forward Rodney Hood – who knocked down an ACC-leading 42 percent of his attempts from behind the arc – believes Sacramento would benefit from his efficient long-range scoring, as well.

“I think their team needs shooting and I think I’d fit well with any team that needs shooting,” said the Mississippi native, adding he struck an immediate rapport with Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro. “Whether I come off the bench or get a little bit of playing time, I think I can contribute to the team.”

One of the Draft’s most impressive high-flyers and above-the-rim finishers, as well as an adept ball-handler and outside scorer, UCLA guard Zach LaVine pictures getting plenty of good looks by playing alongside Sacramento’s top scorers.

“(Players) like that who draw so much attention, you get a lot of open shots, (plus I’d) be able to get in there and get them shots, as well,” said Pac-12 All-Freshman Team selection. “Playing off of them as a rookie would help me immensely, so I would be in a great situation.”

Creighton forward Doug McDermott – a polished scorer who notched an NCAA-leading 26.7 points per game on 52.6 percent from the field and 44.9 percent from downtown last season – notes the Kings are loaded with remarkable, young talent at every position.

“(There are) a lot of great fans in Sacramento, and they’re definitely building their team around DeMarcus Cousins, who’s obviously one of the best players in the League,” said the AP Player of the Year. “They have a good group of young guys, too – Ben McLemore, I think he’s going to be a superstar. So, I think that would be a great spot.”

- Find out who will be Sacramento’s selection in the 2014 Draft on Thursday, beginning at 4 p.m. PDT on ESPN. Plus, be sure to visit the Kings Draft Viewing Parties at Firestone Public House downtown and Bistro 33 in El Dorado Hills Town Center!

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Rising Stars See Fit With Kings

Katie Cracchiolo

Following is a list of scheduled attendees for Sacramento Kings pre-Draft workouts, which will take place at Kings Practice Facility leading up to the 2014 NBA Draft on June 26.

Eric Moreland (Oregon State, 6-foot-10, Forward-Center)

Elfrid Payton (Louisiana-Lafayette, 6-foot-3, Guard)

Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State, 6-foot-4, Guard)

Noah Vonleh (Indiana, 6-foot-10, Forward-Center)

Stephen Holt (St. Mary's (CA), 6-foot-4, Guard)

Brendan Lane (Pepperdine, 6-foot-10, Forward-Center)

Jarell Eddie (Virginia Tech, 6-foot-7, Forward)

JaKarr Sampson (St. John's, 6-foot-9, Forward)

Xavier Thames (San Diego State, 6-foot-3, Guard)

Sim Bhullar (New Mexico State, 7-foot-5, Center)

Elijah Pittman (Marshall/Delaware NBA D-League, 6-foot-9, Forward)

Richard Solomon (California, 6-foot-10, Forward)

Keith Appling (Michigan State, 6-foot-1, Guard)

Mike Dixon Jr. (Memphis, 6-foot-1, Guard)

DeAndre Kane (Iowa State, 6-foot-4, Guard)

Jarred Shaw (Utah State, 6-foot-10, Forward-Center)

Aaric Murray (Texas Southern, 6-foot-10, Center)

Stay current with Kings.com for complete pre-Draft workout coverage.

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Prospects Announced for Kings Pre-Draft Workouts

sacjwise

Most people remember Ennis due to his game-winning shot against No. 25 Pittsburg on February 12 as the Orange mustered out a 58-56 victory on the road. Yet, Ennis had just 13 total points in that game, including that last-second three. Rather, the freshman’s best statistical game came early in the season against Cal. On November 26, Ennis posted a career-high 28 points on the Bears’ defense thanks to 9-of-12 shooting including 2-of-3 from long range. He also added four assists and three steals in that contest as Syracuse ran away with a 92-81 victory.

“Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, rarely one to shower acclaim on his players, much less on freshmen, has been effusive in his praise of Ennis this season. ‘Tyler, for us, he's so valuable. He plays 40 minutes in the [ACC games]. We can't win a game without him. Literally,’ Boeheim recently told ESPN's Andy Katz. ‘If you talk about the best pro prospect (in the ACC), it's Jabari Parker, but who's the most valuable to his team? We don't have a point guard, I don't know where we would be without Tyler Ennis.’” – Peter Bukowski, SI.com

“The story of Syracuse's season is largely the tale of Tyler Ennis' emergence. He is the freshman who replaced NBA-bound Michael Carter-Williams, the only player capable of playing the point guard position on the Orange roster. He fared better than expected by most, and so did the Orange, winners of 25 straight games and, at one point, the No. 1 team in the country.” – Chris Carlson, Syracuse.com

“The consummate point guard showed how he was able to wreak havoc at the top of Syracuse's zone last year to the tune of 2.4 steals per 40 [possessions], as he posted a 6-7 ¼ wingspan. Ennis measured a 6-5 wingspan at the LeBron James and Deron Williams Camps in 2012. Although not quite as strong, the 6-2 ½ point guard compares physically to 2012 draftee and NBA standout Damian Lillard (6-2 ¾ in shoes, 189 pounds, 6-7 ¾ wingspan).” –  DraftExpress.com

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Prospect Profile: Tyler Ennis

nbaplatformservices

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Kings Pre-Draft Workout: 6/2/14

Kings Pre-Draft Workout: Tyler Ennis 6/2/14

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The Sacramento Kings hosted their first two pre-Draft workouts at the team’s practice facility on Monday, featuring eight prospects. Following the workout, Kings.com caught up with Smart, Vonleh, Ennis, Lane and Kings Assistant GM Mike Bratz to gain insight about Monday’s workout and more.

“Everyone was out there competing and going hard. That’s what you expect at these workouts – go out there and compete.”

“[The Kings] have a great coaching staff. Everybody gets along with each other. They are very interactive with their players – you can tell they care, which is a good thing.”

On returning to school for a sophomore season:

“I definitely think I made the right decision on coming back [for my sophomore year]. I have no regrets. I got to go back and have another year in college, enjoy that experience and still be able to play in the NBA.”

What were you trying to show the coaches today?

“I was just trying to show that I can handle the ball, I can play away from the basket and I’m really versatile. [I can] rebound the ball, rebound in my area and I have great touch.”

How do you see yourself fitting in with this team?

“I can definitely see myself complementing [DeMarcus Cousins]. He’s a great player – he can put up 20 and 15 every night. I think I could take some help away from him in the paint and stretch the floor with my shooting and versatility.”

Where do you think you will be drafted on June 26?

“I think top-five – hopefully it all works out. Some people are saying top-ten, so I don’t know. Hopefully, somewhere in the top-10 – I wouldn’t mind to play for anyone who picks me up. I am going to work hard from Day 1.”

“It was a good workout. I got a lot of shots up and we were able to compete a little bit as well, so it was good to be able to show every part of your game like that.”

What did you try to show the coaches today?

“You definitely want to show that you can knockdown the NBA three. In college, you’re not able to show that. Personally, I wanted to show that I can defend. Coming from Syracuse, a lot of people question if you can defend.”

Are you more of a pass-first or shoot-first guard?

“Growing up I was always pass first. This past summer in Czech Republic playing for team Canada, I had to take more of a scoring role and I was able to lead the tournament in scoring. But it kind of just depends on the team. With all the credit that the athletic guys get in the league, a true point guard is someone who makes others better and I think every team needs that.”

On his performance at the pre-Draft workout:

“I shot the ball really well, which is good for me to let them see what I can do. I just tried to be out there, be active as much as I can defensively and knock down my shots.”

What aspect of your game have you been working on lately?

“That was the biggest thing today. [I just wanted to] be able to show them my range from three. I didn’t shoot that many threes this year, so it was good to show them that.”

What current NBA player do you try to model your game after?

“Obviously, he would have to come from Sacramento – Ryan Anderson. That’s who I want to be like. He’s a great shooter. He’s done a lot in the league – it would be great to play up to that level.”

“He shot the ball really well early in the workout. I wasn’t surprised – he’s a really well-rounded player. Obviously, he’s made big shots in his career – you like to see those things.”

What type of player do you think Smart will be in the NBA?

“I think good players do whatever they need to do. Marcus needed to score at Oklahoma State. He also had a couple of guys who could shoot, but they needed him to score the ball. When he gets in the pros, I think it depends on what the makeup of his team is. I expect him to be more of a passer than he was in college and more of a playmaker and defender.”

How much of a factor are these pre-Draft workouts in deciding who to draft?

“The thing about bringing them in – you get to know them a little bit and they also get to interact with your coaching staff. It’s just another little piece to the whole puzzle.”