Oubre finding his way at the next level with Washington Wizards

By Taylor Bern

Wednesday, July 15, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Kelly Oubre Jr. always had the look and the build, but eight months ago that NBA-ready body spent more time on Kansas’ bench than off it.

It was a rough transition to college for Oubre, who went to the McDonald’s All-American game during his lone season at Findlay Prep, but it didn’t stay that way. Oubre, a New Orleans native, earned his way into the starting lineup, and while his numbers weren’t staggering — 9.3 points, 5 rebounds, 1.1 steals — he was a key piece to the Jayhawks’ 11th straight Big 12 title.

More importantly for Oubre’s future, NBA scouts never lost interest, and three weeks ago in Brooklyn he was drafted No. 15 overall, two spots ahead of Findlay Prep teammate Rashad Vaughn. It was right around where Oubre, who’s 6-foot-7 with a 7-2 wingspan, was projected before college.

The Atlanta Hawks drafted Oubre and then moved him in a draft-night trade to the Washington Wizards for the No. 19 pick (Notre Dame’s Jerian Grant) and two future second-round picks. Now Oubre is back in Las Vegas making his professional debut with the Wizards in the NBA Summer League.

Through three games he’s averaging 16.3 points (on 35.4 percent shooting), 8 rebounds and 2 steals per game. The Sun caught up with Oubre on Tuesday to hear about his draft-night outfit and how the next transition has been going:

Findlay Prep had several banners for guys drafted to the NBA already hanging when you transferred into the program. What did it feel like to know you’d join them?

That was always a goal of mine, helping to carry on the tradition and make the school name even better. Now that I’m here it’s definitely a blessing I’m in this position, and I just want to continue to work to be the best that I can be.

Was it a difficult decision to leave Kansas after your freshman season?

It was very tough. I got off to a slow start and my numbers weren’t really up there where I wanted them to be. I had a pretty solid year, though I feel like I could have done better at the college level. But now I’m dedicating myself to the game of basketball and bettering myself every day. Just playing basketball, I don’t have to worry about school or anything for right now, it’s all basketball.

Was the information from NBA teams and seeing where they had you slotted a major deciding factor?

Yeah. I didn’t have the best year, either, so when people were still telling me that I could be a lottery pick or the first round then I was like, ‘People still see something in me that was there before I went Kansas’. So it was definitely good to hear that feedback.

On draft night did you have a number you expected to be taken at?

That’s in the past. I was expecting to go lottery but the Washington Wizards picked me up, they’ve got a lot of faith in me and I’m blessed to be able to put the jersey on now. I’m happy where I’m at.

The most important question: Where did you get your draft-night shoes?

I got them from a Christian Louboutin manufacturer. They were pretty dope — a lot of people liked them. I stole the show with those.

Have you had time to go house or car hunting yet?

I’ve been looking. I haven’t gotten an apartment or car yet, but I know what I want.

What have your first few weeks of professional life been like?

Pretty hardcore, nonstop basketball. But I love it. That’s my job, that’s what I signed up for and I’m ready.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.