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Former Perth Wildcats star Casey Prather can make it in the NBA, says Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan

Matt LogueThe West Australian
Casey Prather in action for new team Melbourne United .
Camera IconCasey Prather in action for new team Melbourne United . Credit: Getty Images, Mark Brake

Star Melbourne guard Casey Prather has only had a pre-season taste of the NBA, but Thunder coach Billy Donovan believes he is still capable of cracking the world’s best basketball competition.

And Donovan should know.

He coached Prather at the University of Florida for five years from 2010-2014, including a standout senior year when he became only the third Gator to record three 27-point games in a single season.

Despite excelling in the Australian league, winning consecutive championships with Perth in 2016-17, the gun guard has never earned an NBA roster position for the season proper.

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That’s not to say he hasn’t been close. The former Wildcat has experienced the basketball’s premier league through pre-season stints with Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas and Cleveland dating back to 2014.

VideoGreg Hire hits one from beyond half court as time expires. Video: Twitter / NBL

Now 26, it could be assumed Prather’s NBA days have passed him, but Donovan insists he still has time.

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In fact, Monday morning’s pre-season game against Russell Westbrook and his star-studded Oklahoma City side is the perfect chance for the Melbourne guard to impress the multiple NBA scouts expected to be watching on.

“So much of it is timing and the right place at the right time,” Donovan explained.

“I loved Casey. I mean, he was on an incredible team at Florida and he was a key part of the team that went to the final four.

“He didn’t play a lot in his first couple of years, but really started to figure things out and in his last two years he played exceptionally well.

“He had a great career.”

Prather won two NBL championships with the Wildcats.
Camera IconPrather won two NBL championships with the Wildcats. Credit: Getty Images, Paul Kane

Donovan admits Prather has never been an elite shooter, but his energy and application at both ends of the floor made him a special player.

“The one thing he has always tried to work around for his size is his shooting,” he said.

“He is a good shooter, but he isn’t a great shooter but he has got better.

“But he is an elite defender, he is really good in transition finishing and he can put the ball on the floor and he is strong.

“For me, he was great.

“I loved coaching him and being with him every day.”

Prather was humbled when told about Donovan’s kind words about his NBA window not being over.

VideoMelbourne United overcame a sluggish start to beat the Adelaide 35ers by three points

It’s why the two-time NBL champion wants to make the most of his chance to impress against Oklahoma City on Monday.

Asked if coach Donovan’s praise was motivation to keeping chasing his NBA dream, he replied: “Definitely. He has a really good insight on those types of things seeing he is coaching an NBA team.

“He is a great coach, a great guy and we had a special relationship at the University of Florida.

“It’s pretty comforting to know that you still have a chance if you just continue to work.

“I always tell myself that you have a chance if you keep working and working and, who knows, maybe I still do have the opportunity.”

Prather knows there will be plenty of hype on game day against Oklahoma City, but he has urged his teammates not to get lost in the NBA’s bright lights.

“We just have to play our game,” he said frankly.

“We have a quick turnaround coming from here (Oklahoma) to Adelaide again on Thursday for a Saturday game, so we can’t get caught up in trying to fit into the NBA style or trying to do certain things to stay competitive.

“We just have to stick to what we do.”

- The Daily Telegraph

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