The future of basketball came into the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, decked out in suits from Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and more. Tall, baby-faced players dressed in their best clothes for the night of their lives: the NBA Draft.
Arriving at the draft was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. On draft night, these young men could finally emerge as who they always aspired to be. While a few players hire stylists to dress them, most choose their own clothing to showcase their personality, from jewelry to nail polish.
The NBA draft has historically been a night of surprises, from team selections and surprise trades to players' outrageous outfits. It's a night filled with thoughtful messages sewn into suits, watches, jewelry, jacket linings and sequins. This is a chance for a rookie to make a statement before he steps onto the NBA stage for the first time.
Zachary Lisacher
Atlanta Hawks draft pick
Lisace, 19, wore a light gray Armani seersucker suit, white shirt and white Nike Air Force Ones. His privilege for the night? comfort.
“I chose every single part of the costume, which was a lot of fun,” said Risacher, from Lyon, France. “It was the first part of the NBA Draft Night process. I feel like I’m ready to get drafted.”
Alex Sarr
Selected as the 2nd pick in the draft by the Washington Wizards
Mr Sarr, 19, arrived wearing a cream double-breasted Versace suit with jewels on the buttons and a matching shirt.
“I think that’s a classy, classy man,” he said before walking down the red carpet. “It’s perfect for my energy at night. I'm not sure what type of energy cream it is, but I think that's my energy. I can't wait to see where it takes me. “This is the NBA draft and it’s very important.”
lead shepherd
Drafted 3rd overall by Houston Rockets
Another athlete who values simplicity is Mr. Sheppard, 20, who wore a sage green suit from State & Liberty, a Gucci tie and brown Christian Louboutin shoes.
“These clothes speak to me,” Ms. Shepherd said. “It’s just that simple. clean. There's nothing fancy about it. “It’s a really nice, simple, clean suit.”
stephan surname
San Antonio Spurs Draft #4
Ms Castle, 19, brought her last name to life with a gorgeous diamond chain and castle-shaped pendant. He wore a black double-breasted suit with a white fleck effect, which he said was made by his friend Julian.
“It definitely gives you a lot of confidence,” Mr Castle said. “Walking around in clothes that fit well gives you a bit of confidence. “This is helping me a little.”
Rob Dillingham
Drafted #8 by San Antonio Spurs (traded to Minnesota)
Mr Dillingham, 19, wore a dazzling black suit from Seventh Heaven, Chrome Hearts Converse sneakers and glasses.
“This is the beginning of my dream,” Mr. Dillingham said. “I didn’t think about the draft at all today, but when the time came, I was ready. “I don’t think about the game, I just play,” he said.
Carlton Carrington
Portland Trail Blazers (drafted No. 14) (trade to Washington)
Mr Carrington, 18, known to many as Bub, wore an all black Dior suit and shirt. On the lapel of his suit he wore a green ribbon pin to raise his awareness of mental illness.
“That’s what we should always focus on because if your mind isn’t right you can’t do anything,” he said.
“I’m 50 percent of the reason I keep it simple, because I’m still focused on what’s going on today,” he added. “The other reason is that I feel like what I wear on draft day is a statement. I’m a pretty simple guy, so I just want to wear a simple black suit.”
Kyle Filipowski
The draft hasn't been written yet.
Mr. Filipowski, 20, had a photo of himself wearing a Duke University jersey lining a forest green suit by Nota Bene.
“They helped me realize my vision,” Mr. Filipowski said. “It looks a little more luxurious, but it’s not too basic or too flashy. That's just me. I had never expressed myself much through fashion before. This is kind of my first time and I actually like it. I feel very comfortable. “I don’t feel strange at all.”
Mr. Filipowski is considered one of the top players to advance to the second round of the draft on Thursday night.
Devin Carter
Drafted #13 by the Sacramento Kings
Mr. Carter, 22, wanted to stay true to his hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida. For this he wore a light blue double-breasted suit without a shirt. He accessorized with custom Cartier Chrome Hearts sunglasses and brown shoes. It is said that this look was coordinated by a stylist.
“This represents me,” he said. “I’m a Florida boy.”
Keyshawn George
New York Knicks (drafted No. 24) (traded to Washington)
Mr George, 20, chose the fabric used in the suit designed by Alba. He wore an open, light beige jacket, matching bootcut pants, and an untucked cotton candy-colored shirt. Dancing above the collar was an opal necklace that matched the various colors of the shirt. On his feet he wore Louis Vuitton sneakers. He said he wanted to keep it light.
“I chose the fabric,” he said. “It just felt good. “I liked the light texture and felt comfortable.”
Donovan Clingan
Selected 7th overall by Portland Trail Blazers
Mr. Klingan, 20, decorated the inside of his suit jacket with family photos.
“I wanted to put pictures on the inside of my jacket of the people who helped me get here, the people who guided me,” he told reporters on the red carpet.
Matas Bouzelis
Chicago Bulls draft number 11
Mr Buzelis, 19, said his mother chose a Yves Saint Laurent pinstripe suit.
“I feel like a normal person.” he said “I’m in YSL, but this is normal for me.”
Tjane Salon
Drafted #6 by the Charlotte Hornets.
18-year-old Salon's experience was anything but ordinary. It was his first time in New York, and he said he felt small among the skyscrapers. The Parisian was dressed in a navy pinstripe suit, black tie and white shirt, looking what he called 'business class'.
“I’m happy to hear my name and enjoy that moment,” he said.
Tristan da Silva
Drafted #18 by the Orlando Magic.
For da Silva (23), who wore a red and black Alba suit symbolizing the German flag, the lining of the suit was everything. The light blue and white Bavarian flag lined the right side of the jacket, while the kelly green and yellow of the Brazilian flag lined the left side of the jacket.
“I think it’s important to know where you’re coming from, and without that, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “I think it’s important to let people know because I may not be the most vocal about it. I try to stay humble, so I don’t go out there and tell everyone how great I am, but I feel like I can. Let the suit speak for me.”
Cody Williams
Utah Jazz 10th pick
Mr. Williams, 19, wore a mahogany-colored suit, glasses, and shoes all from Rude.
“It looks great, feels good, and has good ventilation.” he said, polishing his fingernails on his freshly manicured jacket. “We have to make sure everything is in order. Actually, I don't get many pedicures. It's a first for me. I added transparent gel here to make it look natural. They did their job. I might get something else after this.”
Johnny Puppy
The draft hasn't been written yet.
Mr. Puffy, 19, wanted to pay homage to his roots in the lining of his navy blue tuxedo. Although he hasn't been drafted yet, he did so by listing every Australian who has played in the NBA, including himself. (He is considered one of the best players on the board heading into the second round of the draft.)
“Australians take a lot of pride in Australian basketball,” he said. “Obviously not many Australians do that. It’s pretty cool to be recognized and appreciated that I’m part of a small group.”
Jacoby Walter
Toronto Raptors Draft #19
Mr Walker, 19, wanted to send a message with his dark purple suit jacket.
“Your Majesty,” he said, covering his eyes with his hair.
He paired the jacket with a black shirt, black pants, black Prada shoes and glasses.
“It’s crazy to be here. I’ve dreamed of this moment my whole life,” he said. “This is what I saw in my dream, it’s refreshing.”
nicola topic
Drafted #12 by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
For many athletes, the focus is on standing out. Topić, 18, wore a burgundy Hugo Boss suit, white Golden Goose sneakers and an Audemars Piguet watch.
“I’m an easy-going guy and Hugo Boss was the first suit I picked,” he said. “I want it to stand out in some way. I wanted something with some color, not just black or blue. “This didn’t really stand out.”
Jared McCain
Drafted #16 by the Philadelphia 76ers.
McCain, 20, wore a double-breasted cropped Dolce & Gabbana suit with a colorful brooch on the lapel. His fingernails were painted a glossy black.
“I had to get a manicure, so I went with a simple look,” he said. “I wish I could put in the team I want to go to, but I have no idea.”
dalton knecht
Los Angeles Lakers (drafted No. 17)
Knecht, 23, wanted to give himself a surprise by lining his all-black Gucci suit before he went on stage. This reporter got a sneak peek before it was revealed to ESPN. It was his Tennessee Volunteers uniform.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said before donning a pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses. “To keep it simple, I'll go all black and just select a few things to make it stand out a little. I will create my own fashion. I'll take a few pieces here and there. But I like to keep it to myself. “Dalton.”
Eve Mishee
Drafted #21 by the New Orleans Pelicans.
Missy, 20, felt somewhat uncomfortable when her friends described her as the king of Cameroon. The lining of the cerulean blue suit jacket designed by Alba made this nickname stand out even more. He engraved the outline of Cameroon into the buttons of his suit and used it as a pattern on the lining of his jacket. A lion patch was also placed on the jacket.
“The lion is Cameroon’s national animal,” he said. “I really like the way I look now, the color of my suit and everything.”
Isaiah Collier
Drafted #29 by Utah Jazz
Mr. Collier, 19, kept it simple. He wore an all-black Dolce & Gabbana suit with single silk lapels and a dazzling brooch. His chain paid tribute to his late brother.
“I feel like I’m ready to rock and roll,” he said.
Kelel Pottery
Drafted #15 by the Miami Heat
Mr. Ware, 20, wore black Gucci loafers and an all-black suit. He accessorized with a Rolex watch and an ice pinky ring.
“You look great and feel great. “Especially on big nights,” he said. “Well, I’m a more calm and relaxed person. I didn't want to go out and do too much. I stayed original with it.”