Deshaun Highler: Did He Break Into the NBA?
Deshaun Highler: Did He Break Into the NBA?
By Jocelyn Alano August 10, 2024 00:03
The Deshaun Highler timeline in the basketball circuit is a phenomenon of survival, talent, and unstoppable pursuit. Highler's narrative itself, from his roots in Riverside, California, to rising toward the NBA ranks, is all too common among hopeful athletes. This story will detail his background and analyze where he is in terms of aspiration to play in the NBA despite being undrafted.
Basketball Career And Early Life
Background and Upbringing
Deshaun Highler was born on March 9, 1998, in Riverside, California. Growing up in a basketball-culture community, Highler learned about the sport at an early age. He grew up with natural ability and a fierce competitive nature in basketball. In high school, he went to John W. North and started making noise on the court there as well.
He established his guard credentials at high school as one of the game's emerging scoring and playmaking forces. This was when scouts and coaches started to take notice of Johnson's performances, paving the way for his future career in college basketball. After graduating high school in 2017, he continued attending East Los Angeles College (ELAC).
College Basketball Career
He later began to play for the East Los Angeles College Huskies, where his remarkable talent got noticed in a no-time block. He had strong stats at ELAC, where he put up decent stats and helped his team win. A versatile option, Highler could score and rebound the ball while setting his teammates up well.
Highler eventually transferred from ELAC to Sacramento State, where he learned the rest of his game. He finished the 2021-22 season playing as a junior, scoring 12.98 PPG with an average of 5.32 RPG and dishing out 2.02 APG. He also shot respectively well, shooting an FG% of 35.8 and 3FG% 33.6. Highler's contribution to the Hornets cemented his reputation as a high-level guard prepared for collegiate play.
Draft Prospects
Efforts to Get Noticed
Highler had a standout college career; now, he was looking to reach the NBA. His route to get on the radar of NBA scouts included performance in various showcases, workouts, and pre-draft activities. His stint on the Netflix docuseries "Last Chance U: Basketball" bolstered Highler's recognition. Featured in the series was his refusal to give up on realizing that dream, which underscored exactly what hard work, dedication, and love of the game look like, all helping him attract eyes from at least a larger audience.
Some of the improvements Highler made in his game came from four-hour workouts and summer leagues, where he could show what he's got along with 11 other hopefuls. This is how he proved his mettle for the next level.
Draft Stock and Projections
As the 2023 NBA Draft neared, Highler's draft stock was soon evaluated. He is not a top prospect by any means, but his unique skill set and exposure from "Last Chance U" had some experts thinking he could be a late-round pick of an undrafted free agent that teams looking for depth take a chance on. From the opening day of training camp, Highler's ability to score 3-pointers from either guard spot was considered an NBA strength.
The NBA Draft Experience
Draft Day Outcome
Deshaun Highler went undrafted in the NBA Draft on June 22, 2023, which was a blow to him and those who backed his cause. But going undrafted was not the end of his dream. After going undrafted, several NBA players have established themselves, and Highler was eager to do the same.
Aftermath and Opportunities
After the draft, Highler had to scramble just in hopes of getting a chance at playing basketball professionally. As a result, he hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent. Highler's immediate next action was to sign a deal with an NBA G League or international team to relaunch his career and take another shot at making the NBA.
Next, Highler had an adventure of his own, going to Colombia and signing with Cimarrones, who play the Colombian Liga WPlay. During this opportunity, he gained much-needed international experience and polished his skills further on the court. Professional basketball is a common role for players hoping to make their way back onto NBA rosters, and Highler's time in Colombia was no different in his development.
The Present and the Future
Current Activities
With his international experience, he can begin to have a good idea of where he may want to be in the longer term while still developing central aspects in playing against different styles and also within the game itself. Despite the challenges of diving straight into professional basketball, Highler is not slowing down in his dedication to getting better and changing his game.
Assessment of Potential
Despite the obstacles, Deshaun Highler can crack an NBA roster in some form. Like so many aspiring pros, his journey reminds us how challenging the path to professional basketball can be. But because of Highler's work ethic and love for the game, his resilience should bode well in future endeavors.
Deshaun Highler's path to the NBA is a credit to his commitment and passion for basketball. Though he fought some adversity during the draft process, his desire to play professionally was never wavering. The opportunity to make it in the NBA remains as he keeps playing and growing his game. Highler's journey resonates with many up-and-coming athletes who can relate to a non-linear pathway filled with highs and lows but an abundant opportunity if you are willing to put your head down, work hard, and grind it out.
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