KU coach Bill Self reacts to Gradey Dick’s ruby-red Wizard of Oz suit & NBA Draft picks
Gradey Dick’s fashion choice of a sparkling ruby-red electric suit and matching turtleneck shirt — as well as a chain flaunting his new “GD” logo — had his college basketball coach’s full attention in the 2023 NBA Draft green room on Thursday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“I was disappointed he didn’t have the matching pants. I thought if he had that, that would have really been something,” Kansas coach Bill Self said in a Zoom call with media members held after former KU guard Dick was selected as a lottery pick (No. 13 overall) by the Toronto Raptors and former KU forward Jalen Wilson 21st in the second round (No. 51 overall) by the Brooklyn Nets.
Dick actually wore black slacks and black Christian Louboutin shoes (with ruby red bottoms of course to go with what he called his “Dorothy suit,” in recognition of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.
Oh yes, the 6-foot-8, 19-year old guard from Wichita also modeled dark sunglasses for a final touch.
“One thing about Gradey,” stated Self, who sat with Dick and Dick’s family members at the during the draft proceedings, “he wasn’t wasn’t trying to be the best-dressed guy there. He was trying to be the guy who would get the most hits on social media, things like that. I’m sure that was probably the case. I think it was mission accomplished with him.”
As far as where the Jayhawks landed on Draft night, Self said: “I was obviously very happy for Gradey. We heard (he’d be picked) somewhere between 10 and 14. He goes 13. I think that’s probably a very good fit for him and Toronto. I’m very happy for that. We all should be happy with that. Jalen (6-8, 22-year-old forward) … even though he didn’t get drafted where I’m sure he hoped he would, the bottom line is all about fit at that point once you get midway in the second round.
“I know Jalen’s representation feels like it’s a really good fit,” Self added. “Brooklyn is excited to get him. I’m happy with that. Certainly I think he’ll have a heck of a chance to be a part of their roster.”
Self said he had not consulted former KU guard Jacque Vaughn, the Nets’ coach, during the pre-draft process.
“I have not talked to Jacque,” Self said. “I’m excited for (Wilson). I told his family … I said, ‘We’ve got a Jayhawk as head coach.’ That won’t mean anything as far as making the team or anything. It could mean something as far as getting a little bit of an inside track of what he needs to do.”
Self summarized the night by saying: “I am extremely proud of both of them, proud of the grind, proud of the competitiveness and discipline over time to be able to put themselves in this position. So it was a good night. I don’t know if I’d say great. I think great would been if Jalen could have snuck down there lower in the the second round or late first. It turned out to be a really good night for anybody who supports our program and has supported those two.”
Self was asked if any of the Jayhawks on the 2023-24 roster could be taken in the draft next June.
“Yes. I think there is, without question, (a chance of that),” Self said. “I hope they all do if they choose to leave. I’d be very disappointed if we didn’t have a pro or two on our team this upcoming season.”
