Nets select Jalen Wilson, 6’8” Kansas wing, at No. 51

Jalen Wilson, a 6’8” wing who led the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding and was conference Player of the Year and a consensus first team All-American, was selected by the Nets with the 51st pick in the Draft, completing the Nets night at Barclays Center.

Wilson, 22, averaged 20.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the Jayhawks on 42/36/71 shooting splits, improving each year. Not a big-time athlete, the North Texas native is physically strong and had been mocked earlier in the second round but fell after a subpar shooting performance at the Draft Combine. He worked out for the Nets late in the pre-draft process.

Jorrye Nixon of NBADraft.net had this to say of his game:

His physicality as a straight-line slasher, mismatch offensive ability, experience and rebounding instincts are a plus … He will need to prove he can be productive without being a focal point, and also answer questions about what position he’ll defend.

Here’s his highlight package...

Wilson is likely to wind up playing much of next season with the Long Island Nets. Two years ago, the Nets two late second round picks, Marcus Zegarowski and RaiQuan Gray, were signed directly to G League contracts. Wilson may very well follow that same path.

Wilson will be coached by fellow Kansas alumnus, Jacque Vaughn.

• Nets snag Kansas forward Jalen Wilson in second round of NBA draft - Andrew Battifarano - New York Post
• Nets select forward Jalen Wilson with No. 51 pick in 2023 NBA Draft - Phillip Martinez - SNY
• Jalen Wilson’s highlights he’s bringing to the Nets (Video) - ESPN
• Pros and cons of the Brooklyn Nets taking KU basketball’s Jalen Wilson in 2023 NBA draft - Jordan - Jordan Guskey - Topeka Capital-Journal
• Denton Guyer’s Jalen Wilson selected by Brooklyn Nets in 2nd round of NBA draft - Dallas Morning News