Bucks top pick Thon Maker addresses rumors regarding his age

By Nunzio Ingrassia, Nunzio Ingrassia

Published June 26, 2016

Many wondered why the Milwaukee Bucks selected Thon Maker with the No. 10 pick in last week's NBA Draft. The 7'-1" big man from the Sudan appears to be a strange fit with the Bucks, who spent big bucks on Greg Monroe last offseason.

But Maker's position on the roster wasn't the only head-scratcher regarding Milwaukee's decision. Heading into the draft, there were questions surrounding Maker's age -- if he is actually older than his listed age of 19.

Maker denied any impropriety regarding his age.

"It did get to me in terms of me hearing about it, but it didn't get to me personally because if it were true, I'd probably be like sideways about it, but it's not true, so I'm comfortable," he told The Boston Globe. "I'm not angry or anything. I've got to learn what I can say and what I can't say now."

Maker was overcome with emotion after hearing his name called much earlier than many expected Thursday night.

"It was five years (ago) when I decided I first wanted to be a pro and take basketball serious," Maker said. "So it's been a long time because I've put in a lot of games, a lot of work, and to finally see it pay off, really -- I lost words. When I was walking there, trying to say thank you to my family, just took lots of words, and I speak with them every day. It was a different situation. Mentally, you just can't wait. Physically, you're trying to control yourself, and at the same time it's unreal."

Maker's athleticism should fit in nicely with the Bucks. It will be interesting to see if Milwaukee decides to play Maker at center and move Monroe to power forward or bring Maker off the bench.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/bucks-top-pick-thon-maker-addresses-rumors-regarding-his-age