Maker, a 7-footer from Sudan, was granted eligibility because he graduated high school in Canada last June, and technically played in his fifth year of high school. The NBA rule states a player must be at least 19 years old and one year removed from high school. Maker turned 19 on Feb. 25, and the league felt his circumstance meant he was eligible.
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As far as how he’ll perform in the professional league, experts are conflicted. Maker has had some impressive highlight tapes, but some remain skeptical. Here’s what Sports Illustrated’s Ben Golliver wrote about him earlier this year:
Considering Maker’s age and raw talents, it’s likely he’ll begin his career for a franchise’s D-League team.
