The 2022 NBA Draft came and went Thursday night with Duke’s Paolo Banchero, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren and Auburn’s Jabari Smith as the top three picks of the draft to the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, respectively. As the draft wound down and all 58 picks were made, UNLV’s Bryce Hamilton and Donovan Williams found themselves undrafted. However, despite neither Runnin’ Rebel being selected, both Hamilton and Williams found themselves with NBA teams before the end of the night.
Hamilton, 21, signed a contract with the Miami Heat. Hamilton was undoubtedly the leader of the 2021-22 Runnin’ Rebels squad as he averaged 21.8 points per game, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He led the team in minutes and scoring as UNLV went on to an 18-14 season as well as receiving First Team All-Mountain West recognition.
Williams, also 21, signed with the Brooklyn Nets. Williams played duo to Hamilton in 2021-22 as the two were clearly the team’s top scoring options. Williams averaged 12.7 points per game, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Look for both Hamilton and Williams to make an impact during the NBA’s Summer League in Las Vegas starting on July 7.
UNLV’s Royce Hamm Jr., 23, was also undrafted and has yet to sign a Summer League contract. Although not certain that he will sign with a team, Hamm nearly averaged a double-double in 2022-22 with 8.6 points per game and 9.2 rebounds. A contract for Hamm could come at any moment that would see him join his former UNLV teammates Hamilton and Williams on the NBA Summer League court.
Share This Article
Support independent news coverage by sharing on your platforms
