Wish Granted

Christian Braun has this title thing down. The Nuggets rookie became the fifth player in NBA history to win an NCAA title and an NBA title in back-to-back seasons, joining Bill Russell, Henry Bibby, Magic Johnson and Billy Thompson.

It was Braun’s fifth title in the last seven years, which includes three state championships. Throw in the COVID-disrupted 2020 season, and Braun’s quite the rabbit’s foot.

Let's get to the rest of Monday’s news.

1. Bama wins the Grant Nelson sweepstakes

This tweet was a welcome sight for Alabama fans on Monday.

The 6-11 Nelson, beloved by the college hoops Twitter for his mix of size and skill — few highlight compilations can compete with this — was one of the best players remaining in the transfer portal. He reportedly chose Alabama over Arkansas and gives the Tide an immediate boost to their frontcourt depth and athleticism.

Nelson averaged 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds a game for North Dakota State last season, an impressive career progression from his freshman (6.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and sophomore (11.6 ppg, 4.9 RPG) campaigns while shooting 52 percent from the field.

There are questions about how effective he’ll be against SEC players with similar size and athleticism. He did go for 17 and 6 against Arkansas last season, but struggled against Kansas and wasn’t a lock to be drafted this season. Part of that is because of his inconsistent perimeter shooting (he made just 27 percent of his 3s last season), and he wouldn’t be a stretch 4 in the pros.

Nevertheless, Nelson’s an ideal addition for Alabama, which still needs more bigs alongside him and Nick Pringle. Nelson isn’t Brandon Miller (nobody is), but if he can match Noah Clowney’s production, that’ll be enough.

In other portal news:

• Rutgers grabbed center Emmanuel Ogbole (Monroe College)

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2. St. John’s adds elite prospect Simeon Wilcher

Rick Pitino’s spent the last few months overhauling St. John’s roster with talent from across the sport. But the focus has been on the transfer portal, not incoming freshmen.

That changed on Monday when Simeon Wilcher, a 4-star guard in the class of 2023, announced he’ll play at St. John’s next season.

And if Wilcher’s as good as this announcement video, St. John’s has itself a future star.

The New Jersey native was a former North Carolina commit but re-opened his recruitment when Elliot Cadeau reclassified to 2023. He would’ve been the likely sixth man for the Heels, however, he will vie for a starting spot with St. John’s with his mix of size, skill and athleticism.

Not that St. John’s is any less crowded.

Wilcher will be the 12th new player for the Johnnies, and just the second high school player, along with sharpshooter Brady Dunlap. Pitino’s built a deep roster that will play to his preference for full-court pressure and an up-tempo style.

The backcourt already has Ivy League POY Jordan Dingle, All-MAAC guard Daniss Jenkins, and ex-UConn guard Nahiem Alleyne. Wilcher should be in the mix, but a starting spot isn’t a given.

3. Another year, another gold for Team USA

For those who missed the U16 Team USA squad against Canada on Sunday, just put this on a loop.

The U.S. earned its eight-straight gold medal in the U16 Americas Championship with a 118-36 win over Canada, led by Cam Boozer (24 points), Tyran Stokes (15) and Darryn Peterson (13). Boozer was named MVP of the competition.

Team USA is now 43-0 in the event and had already qualified for the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkey.

Can the U19 team have similar success?

The U19 team is down to 18 players (12 make the final roster) for the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup, which runs from June 24-July 2 in Hungary. The U.S. has won the event eight times, including three of the last four.

Sure shot

Jordan Hawkins’ shooting ability was one of the key factors in UConn’s national title run. He’s 6-5, has a quick release and excels at off-ball movement. Is he the best shooter in the 2023 NBA Draft? Most of The Field of 68 experts think so. Seems like a perfect player for today’s NBA, says Rob Dauster.

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Links as you shake those couch cushions for some copper pennies.

• Kentucky added 4-star prospect Jordan Burks, who played with Overtime Elite last season.

• Kellen Sampson signed a new contract with Houston that essentially makes him the Cougars’ future head coach.

• Ex-Wake Forest forward Bobi Klintman is withdrawing from the 2023 NBA Draft but isn’t heading back to college, either.

• The Baha Mar Classic matchups reportedly are set.

Thanks for reading The Field of 68 Daily! If you have a news tip or feedback, email us at [email protected].