The NBA is the new home for two pro Cougs. On June 22, Mouhamed Gueye joined the Atlanta Hawks and Justin Powell signed a Summer League contract with the reigning Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat.
Gueye shook Deputy NBA Commissioner Mark Tatum’s hand with a Charlotte Hornets hat on his head after the Hornets selected him with the 39th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Within a matter of hours, Gueye was traded to the Boston Celtics and from Boston to the Atlanta Hawks.
In a recent interview with Swx’s Austin Getz, WSU head coach Kyle Smith said the Hawks showed the most interest in Gueye and seriously considered taking him at No. 15 overall.
Smith noted the Hawks general manager, Landry Fields, was a Pac-12 basketball player and No. 39 overall pick as well.
“They just did the most work on [Gueye] and they see a future for him so that’s a great, great position for him to be in,” Smith said.
Smith also spoke on Justin Powell, who joins a Heat organization known for developing undrafted players into valuable NBA contributors.
WSU guard Justin Powell makes his entrance during ZzuMania, Nov. 2.
“He kind of fits that mold. He’s a big 6-6 guy who can bang long threes, he’s got a good feel, he’s a better defender than people think. So he’s on his journey and he’ll get a good crack there,” Smith said.
WSU forward Mouhamed Gueye drives toward the hoop during an NCAA men’s basketball game against Utah, Dec. 4.
Gueye shouted out NBA Africa after he was drafted. “We’re gonna keep working. Shoutout to NBA Africa too. Peace!” Gueye said on social media.
Gueye is in the NBA and owns an NBA jersey with his name on it. Coug fans cannot wait to watch Mo and Justin throughout Summer League as they begin their NBA careers.
