Written C.J. Suess, July 13, 2016, at 8:33 p.m.
The 2016 draft class was full of future stars. Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, and Jaylen Brown all have bright futures in the league. But one YouTube sensation has been on the radar for awhile now, Thon Maker.
Thon Maker, YouTube Sensation
The agile forward-center, born in South Sudan and raised in Australia, first hit the scene as a 6’11” eighth grader on YouTube. Showing great potential as a youngster, and making other kids look like second graders, it was hard not to be excited about his future. He had amazing footwork for a kid his size, but he looked like he needed to grow into his body.
He would go on to play for Carlisle School in Martinsville, Virginia as he gained a lot of attention in his first two seasons. He had found some more athleticism, and the former eighth-grade post player, was now making moves only top level guards can make.
His freshman and sophomore YouTube videos were a little more exciting, to say the least. Incredible blocked shots sent into the stands, crossovers that left defenders in their tracks, knock down threes in a defender’s face, and dunks that you really wish you could’ve seen live.
In his sophomore year, he lead his team to the Virginia State championship and was voted the Gatorade Virginia Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
A Future in Basketball
With the hype he was receiving at this point, it was looking like a bright future was on the horizon. Maker decided to move to Mono, Ontario, to the Athletes Institute Basketball Academy in 2014.
This academy runs more like a year-long basketball camp that prepares kids for the next level. Top of the line basketball facilities, work out rooms, chefs preparing healthy meals for a young athlete, and a coaching staff around 24/7.
It was here that Maker would learn the dedication and commitment it would take to play at the next level. While you may think the academy made Thon Maker, it is actually the other way around.
Maker put the Athlete Institute on the map due to his exciting YouTube highlight films. Everyone wanted to see the seven-foot, barely 200-pound kid drive to the hoop and throw down ferocious dunks.
He was doing things you rarely see from a seven-footer, especially at that age. With YouTube videos claiming he was best player in the class of 2016, a memorable name, and huge size, he was an easy player to remember. Not to mention the kid can play.
Sights on the NBA
Playing for Canada’s Elite AAU team, World Select Team, and the Athlete Institute, he was looking primed for NBA stardom. In his last year of playing top level high school competition, he earned a league MVP, Finals MVP, and a first team All-Star selection in the 15-16 season.
He was ready to declare for the NBA draft. Still, he had to prove he actually graduated in 2015, and that 2016 was an extra year. The NBA accepted his request and he was cleared to declare for the draft. Although there was some question about the authenticity of him being 19 years old, he was the most popular non-collegiate player in the draft.
At the draft combine he impressed to say the least. He exhibited his 3 point range, agility, and his vertical leap. Maker was listed at 6’11.75″ without shoes, 7’1″ with.
He recorded the highest vertical leap in NBA combine history for a player over 6’11”, jumping 32 inches off the ground. Those kind of hops would allow a 5’10” guy to dunk. Dwight Howard may need to hand over the Superman cape soon.
Bang For Your Bucks
With the 10th pick in the 2016 draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected 19 year old Thon Maker. Adding to their already athletic lengthy team led by “The Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker.
So far during summer league Maker has gained the attention of many spectators. In his first summer league game he recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds. A few of his points coming off nasty put back dunks.
He also had two blocks late in the game that helped the Bucks seal off the close victory. It was an offensive rebound off a free throw in the final minute of the game though that showed what true effort and heart he has.
In the next game, he would follow it up with 17 points 17 boards. However, when asked about his performance, Maker stated that “it’s been OK.” Nothing better than a humble player that sets a high standard for themselves.
Maker has something that people want a star to have, that killer instinct. In his videos you don’t see the smiles of a Lebron James. You see the fierce competitiveness of a Jordan or a Kobe.
Now obviously Thon Maker shouldn’t be discussed in the same breath as the “Black Mamba” or “His Airness,” but he does have their type of attitude. He’s the type of guy who wants to break the backboard on every dunk, block shots to the fourth row, break ankles with every crossover, and most importantly, win at all costs.
The Bucks picked a real winner. With a little more strength and some time, Maker is ready to become a household name. If not, at least his highlights will look good.
