3 most unique outfits worn by college basketball athletes during NBA draft ft. Joakin Noah
As expected, Day 1 of the 2024 NBA draft on Wednesday saw some of the biggest names in college basketball suit up in the most unique outfits. Draft day is one of the most memorable and important days in the life of a basketball player looking to step into the world of pros, so selecting a fit for the big day is also a priority.
In this year's draft class, fans saw Jared McCain, Reed Sheppard, Donovan Clingan and more pull up to the event in their best dresses. These young athletes are styled by a team of stylists, hairdressers, makeup artists, etc. However, before the reign of social media, young hoopers used to style themselves on their own.
This sometimes created fits that looking back now would be considered not so stylish. But such outfits have become so iconic that fans cannot forget about them. So, let's take a look at the three most unique yet "un-trendy" suits seen in the NBA draft over the years.
3 unique suits worn by college basketball players during NBA draft
#1 Joakim Noah
Noah, who is now a former hooper of the NBA, attended the Florida Gators and was the NCAA championship title winner in 2006 and 2007. Son of former world No. 3 tennis player Yannick Noah, Joakim became a touted prospect under coach Billy Donovan.
Noah was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. The former NCAA Most Outstanding Player wore an all-white, pinstriped suit with a patterned bowtie while sporting an afro. Noah's smile was the best part of his overall look. Although his ensemble will be considered too trendy in today's time, it made him shine as he started his professional career.
#2 Maurice Taylor
Taylor attended the Michigan Wolverines from 1994 to 1997. He helped the team win the 1997 NIT championship and averaged 12.3 points and 6.2 rebounds. In an unexpected turn of events in the 1997 NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets had traded both of their picks, leaving only the Vancouver Grizzlies for possible color coordination for Maurice Taylor.
Though the oversized suit might have matched the Grizzlies hat, Vancouver had different plans for its No. 4 pick. They instead chose Antonio Daniels, which proved to be a fruitful decision because he had a longer career compared to Taylor, who eventually fell to No. 14. Was it because of the suit? Fans may never know.
#3 Tim Thomas
Thomas became a highly sought-after player at Villanova University despite only playing for a year. When Villanova won second place in the Big East Tournament, he was named All-Big East and Big East Rookie.
He then decided to chase his pro dreams by declaring for the 1997 NBA draft. Tim Thomas was the seventh overall pick in the draft. Given his outfit, it seemed as though there were some sizing issues because the white, double-breasted suit looked to be thrice his size.
Maybe the tailor messed up the measurement and tried to eyeball it based on how Thomas looked at the time.
Honorable Mention: LeBron James' all-white suit at the 2003 draft. James did not go to college and was selected out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
There have always been prospects who have shaken up the world with their unique fashion style or because of how unorthodox their outfits are.
Which one out of the three was your favorite? Let us know if you have more examples of unconventional draft-day outfits.