PC Basketball Sees Both Dunn & Bentil Drafted by the NBA
Friday, June 24, 2016
The Providence College men's basketball program saw two former players get drafted in Thursday's NBA Draft in Brooklyn, though it took a bit longer then everyone was hoping.
Kris Dunn was drafted 5th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, however, Ben Bentil was not drafted until the 2nd round when the Celtics selected him 51st overall.
Kris Dunn
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTDunn made history, being only the 4th Friar to be a top 5 NBA pick, joining names like Jimmy Walker, Ernie DiGregorio and Marvin Barnes.
At Minnesota, Dunn will play for head coach Tom Thibodeau, former Celtics defensive coach, and play alongside Ricky Rubio, 2015-16 Rookie of the Year Karl Anthony Towns and veteran Kevin Garnett.
"We are excited, we think Kris is a great fit for us, we didn't know how it would unfold, there were a few god options for us and we thought that was the best one," said coach Thibodeau in his post draft press conference.
There was talk about a potential trade that would send Dunn to Chicago, however, Timberwolves brass including GM Scott Layden said afterword that they drafted Dunn with the intention of keeping him.
Like at Providence, Dunn will wear #3 for Minnesota.
Ben Bentil
Ben Bentil was drafted 51st (2nd round) overall by the Boston Celtics and will have to work himself onto the team as he is not guaranteed anything being a second round pick.
"All I needed was the opportunity and I got it. Time to prove myself," Bentil said on his twitter account following the pick.
With the Celtics, Bentil will compete with players like Jae Crowder, Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olnyk as well as Boston's 3rd overall pick Jaylen Brown to try and earn a spot on the roster.
"I think the highlight of Ben is that he is a tough kid and he is a good shooter, we like his shooting. He can spread the floor and keep defenses honest,"said Celtics GM Danny Ainge in his post draft press conference.
What is Next
Both Dunn and Bentil are expected to compete in the NBA's Summer League which starts on July 9 for the Celtics and July 10 for the Timberwolves.
For Bentil, a good showing over the summer would be the first step in making an NBA roster.
Related Slideshow: Top 10 Providence College NBA Draft Picks of All-Time
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