Hugo Besson Declares for Draft

New Zealand Breakers star Hugo Besson has declared for the 2022 NBA Draft, joining teammate Ousmane Dieng in looking to make the jump to the Association off the back of a stellar NBL season.

The 20 year-old Besson was the youngest import in Breaker history when he signed, going on to play in 25 games during NBL22 averaging 13.9 points and 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

Besson started the season strong, going on a run of three consecutive games with 20 or more points including a season-high 26 against South East Melbourne in just his second game.

His breakout performance came against the Perth Wildcats in March where he put up 17 points in the third quarter and finishing with 23 points in the game.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">YOU CAN BET ON BESSON.<br><br>14 points in the third quarter for Hugo ??? Draft stock definitely going ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL22</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNAusNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNAusNZ</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/kdO6U3XAnv">pic.twitter.com/kdO6U3XAnv</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1503307082920914944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Playing for the Breakers and learning every day alongside ex-NBA players has transformed my game and given me the exposure I needed to head to the Draft,” said Besson.

“I want to thank my coaches and teammates for a season that has made me grow both on and off the court.”

Besson is currently listed on ESPN's most recent NBA Mock Draft at #32 with indications that he could rise into the first round off the back of his NBL season.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hugo Besson has declared for the NBA draft, his agent Bouna Ndiaye told ESPN. The 6&#39;5 French combo guard had an outstanding season in the Australian NBL with the New Zealand Breakers, averaging 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 assists in 27 minutes. Potential first round pick. <a href="https://t.co/R8mphGYnMN">pic.twitter.com/R8mphGYnMN</a></p>&mdash; Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1517172764444180482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>