Former Jefferson City Jay OG Anunoby selected in NBA Draft

NEW YORK – Former Jefferson City Star basketball player OG Anunoby called playing in the NBA a “dream” heading into the NBA Draft.

The dream is now a reality.

The Toronto Raptors selected Anunoby 23rd overall in the NBA Draft. Anunoby joins a talented Raptors team including players like DeMar Derozen and Kyle Lowary.

“It’s a lot of excitement and nervousness. I’m happy,” Anunoby said.

After leaving Jefferson City, Anunoby played two seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers. He tallied 11.1 points per game in his final season with the Hoosiers, but an ACL tear cut his season short after just 16 games.

“I think it affected my draft, but everything happens for a reason. I’m happy to be playing for the Raptors now,” Anunoby said.

At 6’7″ 235 pounds, Anunoby possesses length and versatility at his position. Some scouts had him going far higher in the draft due to his ability to score at ease from anywhere on the floor.

“[I tried to show] just my personality, my character and what a hard worker I am and how I care about the team,” Anunoby said.

Anunoby will next get ready for the NBA Summer League, which begins June 7th. This will be his first opportunity to play alongside some of his potential teammates and improve his game heading into his rookie season.

Anunoby marks the first player from mid-Missouri taken in the first round since Slater’s Joe Kleine.