Sacramento's new addition, Nik Stauskas, flourished during his two seasons at Michigan, earning Big Ten Player of the Year and unanimous All-Big Ten first team honors following his sophomore campaign.
The 6-foot-6 guard helped lead the Wolverines to back-to-back NCAA Tournament Elite 8 berths, and was one of eight sophomores at U-M to reach 1,000 points. The savvy scorer also ranks fifth all-time with a 44.10 career three-point percentage, eighth all-time with 172 career three-point field goals and 10th all-time with 390 career three-point field goal attempts.
Off the court, the Mississauga, Ontario native left his family roots in Canada for prep school in Massachusetts at age 15. Though the transition was tough, Stauskas remained focused on schoolwork and gym-work, and dedicated himself to a training regimen suited for the pros. Ultimately, his hard work earned him a scholarship to Michigan.
After two years in college, his dream of playing in the NBA is becoming a reality.
Now, explore the following links to gain further insight into the young guard’s background, journey to the NBA and on-court accomplishments.
Quick Hits:
Off-Court:
ESPN.com: The Canadian connection – Michigan Guard Nik Stauskas, an import from up North, has something to prove - After a childhood dedicated to the game of basketball, Stauskas is living his dream and representing his country.
NBA.com: Canadians to play prominent role in 2014 Draft – The league breaks down Nik Stauskas’ origin and Canada’s role in the evolving NBA.
Pre-Draft:
Draft Express: Nik Stauskas 2014 NBA Draft Media Day Interview – Get a look at Nik Stauskas’ pre-Draft Interview.
Detroit Free Press: Nik Stauskas, family 'fired up' about what NBA draft will bring - The former Michigan guard fulfilled a decade-long dream when he was selected 8th overall by the Kings.
SportsCenter Featured: Sons Of Naismith – Kenny Mayne takes a look at how our neighbors up north are influencing this year's NBA draft and how they truly are the "Sons of Naismith."
Grantland: The NBA Draft Illustrated: Shot Charts for the Lottery Picks – Get an inside look at Stauskas’ range on the court.
Draft Night:
Kings.com Video: Kings Select Nik Stauskas – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announces the 8th overall pick as the Sacramento Kings select Nik Stauskas.
Kings.com Video: Nik Stauskas Interview – Stauskas speaks with ESPN correspondent Jay Williams following his selection by Sacramento.
Kings.com Video: Post-Draft Press Conference - Kings Owner Vivek Ranadivé and General Manager Pete D'Alessandro speak with media following the selection of Nik Stauskas.
MLive: Bill Simmons says Nik Stauskas will enter NBA with a 'young Manu' attitude – Grantland and ESPN’s Bill Simmons compares Stauskas’ attitude to that of San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili.
MGoBlue.com: Trio of Wolverines Selected at 2014 NBA Draft –Wolverine Athletics stat wrap-up for all three U of M draftees.
NBA.com Video: Nik Stauskas NBA TV Interview – Stauskas sits down with Jared Greenberg from NBA TV after being selected eighth by the Sacramento Kings.
NBA.com Video: All-Access: King of the Night – Stauskas says it’s a dream come true to be a King.
NBA.com Video: Draft Review: Nik Stauskas – The NBA TV crew discusses how Stauskas will fit in with the current Kings roster.
Instant Reaction:
NBA writers and analysts share their thoughts on Sacramento’s choice of Nik Stauskas with the No. 8 overall pick.
ESPN: Top skills in 2014 draft class - “I would tab Nik Stauskas of Michigan as the best overall shooter in the NBA draft.”
Grantland: The NBA Draft Illustrated: Shot Charts for the Lottery Picks - “He was born to be an elite 3-point shooter in the NBA and his numbers from college prove he’s ready.”
MLive.com: Draft day arrives sooner than expected for Michigan's Mitch McGary, Glenn Robinson III, Nik Stauskas – “Stauskas came from a strong prep program at St. Mark's School in Massachusetts loaded with Division I talent and was regarded as a top-100 recruit.”
Fox News: Wiggins, Stauskas highlight NBA draft class that could make Canada world basketball power - “Canada hasn't had more than two players drafted in any of the previous 20 years, and from 2001 to 2010, not a single Canadian was selected.”
NJ.com: 2014 NBA Draft: Kings take Nik Stauskas eighth - “The Sacramento Kings did extensive draft research, including crowd sourcing some of their analytics department and that process led them to Michigan sharpshooter Nik Stauskas with the eighth pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft.”