John Poulakidas completed a workout with the "Brooklyn Nets" as the NBA Draft approaches, adding another chapter to his basketball journey. The former Yale guard has caught the attention of a team holding four first-round picks in the upcoming draft.
"Obviously they made big shots and John got hot and we just couldn't guard him. He made some big plays and big buckets. That's what guys got to do at the end of things," said Auburn's head coach Bruce Pearl after facing Poulakidas in the NCAA Tournament.
That high praise came after Poulakidas erupted for 28 points and hit six three-pointers to help Yale upset No. 4 Auburn in the 2023-24 NCAA Tournament. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard also showed up against top competition this past season, scoring 23 points in a first-round loss to No. 4 Texas A&M.
Interestingly, Poulakidas led the Ivy League in scoring last season with 19.4 points per game, earning First-team All-Ivy League honors. His shooting touch even landed him a spot as one of just eight players selected to participate in the E*Trade 3-Point Competition ahead of the Final Four in San Antonio.
The Naperville, Illinois native wrapped up his collegiate career with impressive numbers. Through four seasons at Yale, he averaged 12.4 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 43.8% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range. Those shooting percentages might be what attracted the "Nets" to take a closer look.
Poulakidas recently showcased his abilities at the G League Elite camp, where he led all players with 16 points during the final scrimmage. His Yale legacy is secure – he finished with the second-most three-pointers (243) and tenth-most points (1362) in program history.
Will the sharp-shooting guard hear his name called on draft night? The "Nets" seem to be doing their homework on potential late-round contributors or undrafted free agents who could provide value.
