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2015 NBA Draft Media Day Roundup: Part 1

By Scott Chasen

Mar 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) works against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Bobby Portis (10) during the second half of the SEC Conference Tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) works against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Bobby Portis (10) during the second half of the SEC Conference Tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 16, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) handles the ball against West Virginia Mountaineers forward BillyDee Williams (L) during the second half at the WVU Coliseum. West Virginia won 62-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) handles the ball against West Virginia Mountaineers forward BillyDee Williams (L) during the second half at the WVU Coliseum. West Virginia won 62-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 2015 NBA Draft just one day away, ValleyOfTheSuns.com’s Scott Chasen and Gavin Schall are in New York to cover all of the events going on. The following post contains a recap of the media availability sessions with all the prospects the Suns might be interested in with the 13th pick.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

Kelly Oubre Jr. is one of the wings that could be available when the Phoenix Suns make their pick, and he actually seems to fit the team pretty well, should they choose to go that direction. Oubre identified his main strengths as shooting, slashing and defense (among other things) and although he did say he doesn’t care where he ends up in the NBA Draft, he did mention some of his goals for the upcoming year.

On his first-year goals:

"“[Winning Rookie of the Year] is a goal for everybody. I’m there with everybody here in the green room, and everybody not in the green room is motivated to win Rookie of the Year too. A lot of people are going to try to compete for that. “For me, I’m going to try to do the best that I can do to help my team win a championship. I know that as long as we win, the personal accolades are going to come. [So my goals] are team-first, and then getting Rookie of the Year and First Team All-Rookie.”"

On who he wants to face off against in the NBA:

"“Everybody wants to say a guy like James Harden, LeBron or KD. They’re definitely the guys we look at because they’re the face of the NBA. I just want to see where my defense is at, going against the best. I just want to compete.”"

On his excitement to play in his first NBA game:

"“I can’t wait for this draft stuff to be over with. On the first jump ball, the No. 1 draft pick can’t even hide. Nobody can hide anymore. It’s a fair game, and an open field. It’s kill or be killed.”"

Oubre spoke with a supreme level of confidence, and it was apparent that he already feels like he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder. Oubre said he followed the mock drafts rankings all year, adding that he knew he was once in the top five before falling out, which he said just serves as greater motivation to become a star at the next level.

Next: Myles Turner

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