Highly-touted five-star prospect Jonathan Kuminga has decided to join a host of other talented high school players and sign with the NBA G-League instead of playing college basketball. The recent Patrick School (Hillside, N.J.) graduate Kuminga will take on a recently introduced option by entering the NBA G-League Professional Pathway Program. Kuminga had offers from top college programs such as Duke and Kentucky, among others.
Among the class of 2020, Kuminga is ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the nation according to 247Sports and ESPN. In addition, he was named a member of the MaxPreps Junior All-American team, averaging 16.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists in a season where his team went 20-7.
Already, Kuminga is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and the insight he will gain from the Pathway Program should only help in securing that projection. As a 6-foot-8 wing, he has already shown versatility in his scoring ability.
The NBA G-League Pathway Program was designed to give top young prospects an opportunity to began their professional careers while receiving mentorships and life skills training. In addition, as professionals Kuminga will be able to play for a salary, with potential of the wages being around $250,000.
Kuminga joins other top prospects such as Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd, Daishen Nix and Kai Sotto. Former NBA champion Brian Shaw will work as the team’s head coach.