The week before the draft, The Post featured some of the local players that could be selected, including The Bronx’s Cleanthony Early. The Wichita State star was picked by the Knicks on Thursday night.
Cleanthony Early’s journey to Thursday night’s NBA Draft didn’t include his name atop rankings lists and ESPN commitment shows. He wasn’t a hyped prospect entering college.
He bounced around between multiple prep schools and attended Sullivan County Community College before landing at mid-major Wichita State.
“It’s been a long process,” said Early, who grew up in The Bronx and spent much of his adolescence in Middletown, NY “I think about it all the time. But I think about it in a good way, to where it continues to motivate me. … You got to embrace your journey.”
It’s gotten him pretty far already.
Early is a projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick, a versatile 6-foot-8 second team All-American who enjoyed a remarkable two-year career at Wichita State, reaching one Final Four and leading the Shockers to a perfect regular season. He worked out for 13 teams, twice for the Hawks.
While there are questions about his ball handling, teams like his combination of athleticism, perimeter shooting and promise on the defensive end, said draft consultant Chris Ekstand, who compared him to Cedric Ceballos.
“He was the best player on the floor in that [third round] loss to Kentucky,” NBA scouting director Ryan Blake said, and that Kentucky team featured two possible lottery picks in Julius Randle and James Young.
“I know I can play at the next level,” Early said.
Wichita State assistant coach Greg Heiar, Early’s lead recruiter, said Early adjusted faster than most junior college products he has dealt with. His work ethic was obvious off the bat, along with his dedication and his will. He spent hours upon hours in the team’s practice facility on his own, making himself into an elite player.
“That’s how you can tell somebody wants it,” Heiar said. “Those guys who do it when coaches aren’t around, they put in an unbelievable amount of time, get up extra shots, that’s what Cle was. Those are the guys who make it.”
Early isn’t preoccupied with where he goes and what team selects him. Of course, he wants to be a first-round pick, but he is ready for the next stage of his life.
“I remember talking about this when I was 5, 6 years old, when I was watching [Michael] Jordan, when I’m shooting in the garbage can, saying, ‘If I make this shot, I’m going to the NBA,’ ” Early said. “It was always a realistic goal, even when it wasn’t realistic.
“It never really left. I’ve always played basketball. You’re always thinking you’re gonna be the best, you’re always thinking you can play in the NBA, you’re always thinking this is what I’m striving for.”
There is, however, a tinge of sadness as the big night approaches. Jamel Glover, Early’s brother, who put a basketball in his hands and served as a father figure, drowned at the age of 32 four years ago. Early has thought about him often in recent days.
“I just think about it like he’s watching, he can see [what I’m doing],” Early said. “I wish he could’ve been here.”