USC’s Evan Mobley declares for draft in a most unique way
This has always been my dream and, through this NFT, I’m making my announcement that I’ll officially be turning pro. This right here is the new “rookie card” and it’s 1-of-1.”
— Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley is leaving Southern California after one season to enter the NBA draft.
The 7-footer revealed his long-expected decision in a unique way. He posted a 21-second NFT (nonfungible token) on Twitter on Friday that he autographed and is auctioning on a blockchain-based marketplace.
“I’m headed to the league,” it said. “This has always been my dream and, through this NFT, I’m making my announcement that I’ll officially be turning pro. This right here is the new “rookie card” - and it’s 1-of-1.”
Mobley went on to say the auction winner will receive signed jerseys from USC and his first NBA team as well as two tickets to one of his rookie games and a meet-and-greet.
He averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 2.4 assists for the Trojans, who advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament before losing to then-undefeated Gonzaga. Mobley was named the Pac-12’s player of the year, defensive player and freshman, the first in league history to sweep all three individual awards.
Mobley, from Murrieta, California, is projected to be a top-three pick in the NBA draft on July 29.
Mobley’s teammate, Isaiah White, said Friday he will return to USC for an extra season, which is allowed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Another Boeheim at Syracuse: Jimmy Boeheim is going home. Poised to graduate from Cornell in May and with one year of college eligibility left, Jim Boeheim’s oldest son announced Friday on social media that he’s transferring to Syracuse. He will play as a graduate student for his father and alongside his younger brother Buddy after three seasons with the Big Red.
“It’s definitely a relief. I just want to hoop,” Jimmy said on a Zoom call as he recalled telling his parents of his recent decision. “He (his dad) tried to contain it a little bit, but you could easily tell how excited he was. My mom’s in the background, screaming, crying. It was just really special.”