National Basketball Association

How Billy Donovan's experience will help the Thunder's draft strategy

Published Jun. 24, 2015 1:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

Billy Donovan brings a unique voice to the Thunder's brain trust. As a former college coach, he gives the Thunder something no other team really has: a deep, first-hand experience with many of the prospects within the Thunder's range. He's either coached or coached against the likes of Sam Dekker and Kelly Oubre, Jr., so his knowledge of them goes beyond film and interviews. As Anthony Slater of the Daily Oklahoman explains:

"When Sam Presti and the Thunder’s college scouts need info on a player, Donovan, an established college basketball giant the past two decades, was one of the most respected voices for those inquiries. He has deep knowledge of his Florida players, but a broad sense of nearly every prospective NBAer from the college level."

That experience and knowledge will surely play a hand when the Thunder make their selection in Thursday's NBA draft.

(h/t The Daily Oklahoman)

Photo credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports