When Marquette forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper entered his name in the 2023 NBA Draft process, it seemed like it was just testing the waters. After showing out, testing extremely well, and likelihood to now be a first-round selection, Prosper announced Friday he’s remaining in the 2023 NBA Draft.
NEWS: Marquette’s Olivier-Maxence Prosper is keeping his name in the 2023 NBA draft, he told ESPN. “O-Max” has elevated his standing considerably in the eyes of NBA teams at the draft combine and in workouts.
STORY: https://t.co/apIT4HRKQN
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 26, 2023
It was an announcement Marquette coach Shaka Smart was expecting after Prosper’s combine showing. The buzz grew, and Smart even said O-Max was likely to go.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper Shooting Up 2023 NBA Draft Boards
I think it was known Prosper would test well, but he not only tested well but also shined in the scrimmage portion of the 2023 NBA Draft Combine.
Prosper’s athleticism in the testing was on display, ranking third out of all Combine prospects in the standing vertical leap (40.5 inches). The 6-foot-7 (without shoes) wing poured in 21 points and added seven rebounds in the scrimmage. His length defensively was also highlighted in the scrimmage.
If Prosper can continue to work on his outside shot and shows that in his workouts with teams in the pre-draft process, Prosper could soar into the mid-first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper was the biggest winner this week.
He finished with 21 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes in Wednesday’s scrimmage. OMax may have secured a spot in the first round of next month’s draft.
More Draft Coverage from Chicago:https://t.co/2utjGdNPdT pic.twitter.com/0qzkjiK47X
— Rafael Barlowe (@Barlowe500) May 19, 2023
What Does This Mean For Marquette Basketball?
O-Max was an extremely valuable player for the Golden Eagles. The long, athletic wing guarded opposing teams’ top wing scorers. He also showed strides offensively as a slasher and a shooter. Prosper averaged over 12.5 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game on over 51% shooting and 33.9% from 3 in 29 minutes per game.
What does the loss of O-Max Prosper mean for Marquette? He meant a lot as the starting 4, averaging over 29 minutes per game, scoring 12.5 PPG with 4.7 RPG and had the ability to provide offensive spurts. The continued growth of David Joplin and Ben Gold will be important for MU.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) May 26, 2023
While the transfer portal has been picked pretty bare, there are still some players who could immediately come in and fill some of the minutes Prosper played. Smart might bank a scholarship and sign an extra player in 2024, also. If Smart could nab an Arthur Kaluma (Creighton), who is still in the portal, you have to look to go that route because the Golden Eagles have a team who could potentially reach a Final Four. That was the thought before Prosper’s 2023 NBA Draft stock soared. Marquette was slated to get every major contributor back. With Prosper leaving and not filling those minutes, that would leave an awfully big hole for a team with Final Four aspirations,
Marquette’s Olivier-Maxence Prosper will officially stay in the 2023 NBA Draft
Marquette’s 2023 Projected Depth Chart:*
PG: Kolek, S Jones
SG: K Jones, Ross, Norman
SF: Mitchell, Lowery
PF: Joplin, Amadou
C: Ighodaro, Gold*positions are best approximation
— Ryan Cassidy (@ryancassidycbb) May 26, 2023
Adjusting to O-Max’s Exit
While it could mean a small step back in 2023-24, Smart has shown his ability to develop talent at every stop. In Shaka the fan base trusts. It would be great for the Golden Eagles to get a win-now player in the portal. Smart is building a culture and won’t take just anyone to try and replace Prosper. Also, Shaka has shattered expectations in the first two seasons at Marquette and reached the NCAA Tournament both years, and won the Big East Championship last year when the Golden Eagles were picked to finish ninth both years in the conference.
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