NATHAN Jawai is determined to fight his way into the NBA despite being drafted outside the first round.

Jawai was picked up at No.41 by the Indiana Pacers in the draft held in New York earlier today but is likely to head to Toronto in a player swap.

Check out our Nathan Jawai photo gallery

“The Raptors agreed to a trade in principle on the eve of the draft, acquiring six-time all-star Jermaine O'Neal and Indiana's 41st pick,’’ a story on Toronto’s website says.

“So when the Pacers selected Australian centre Nathan Jawai at No. 41, they did so on behalf of the Raptors.’’

The deal can not be officially announced until after July 9, so Jawai will be a Pacer until at least then.

“Jawai, who played for Cairns Taipans of the Australian league, can't officially be introduced as a Raptor until the trade is finalized,’’ the web report says.

Being drafted in the first round would have guaranteed Jawai a three-year NBA contract and while he no longer has that security, he is determined to make his mark in the top league.

“It motives me that I got picked in the second round,’’ he said.

“Thanks to Toronto and the Pacers for picking me.’’

Jawai said motivation rather than disappointment became the overriding emotion when his name was not called out in the top 30.

“It got to the second round and I wasn’t called and I was nervous but as the round went on I got motivated (to prove that I can make it),’’ he said.

“I can’t let that affect me and change me as a person, I’ve got to strive to get better.’’

Jawai’s mentor, Cairns Taipans coach Aaron Fearne, and his agent Mark Fleischer reminded their charge that some of the NBA’s best players, such as Manu Ginobili and Gilbert Arenas, were not picked up until the second round.

Jawai is likely to play in the NBA summer league from July 8 and hopes to impress enough to force his way onto an NBA roster.

Cairns Taipans chief executive Denis Keeffe said the club’s staff and players were excited by Jawai’s selection.

“I know most of the staff arrived at work today excited and nervous and there was just this electric atmosphere in the office as we all watched the draft live on ESPN,’’ he said.

 

“To be selected in the top 41 young players on the planet is a great achievement for Nathan.

 

“He has worked extremely hard and to see how this kid has developed from a shy youngster from Bamaga through the Taipans Academy, AIS, US College system and last year with the Taipans in the NBL shows what tremendous drive and determination he has along with the amazing talent we have in our region.

 

“We have been saying for a long time now about what a fantastic basketball program we have in place at the Taipans – our youth development is first class through our Academy and we are moulding and giving our local youth a realistic shot at a career in basketball.”

 

NBL interim chief executive Chuck Harmison said Jawai’s drafting was a testament to the strength of the on-court competition of the NBL, which is widely regarded as one of the top five professional leagues in the world.

“The fact that the only pro experience Nathan has is in the NBL is a tremendous compliment to the truly international standard of our league,’’ Harmison said.

“Whilst we would be sorry to lose Nathan, his drafting shows that the NBL is a legitimate pathway to the NBA for our young players.”

 

Share this article