Sydney Kings have secured sharp-shooting Brazilian NBA prospect Marcos Louzada Silva as part of the NBL's expanding Next Stars program.
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Louzada, 20, was selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the 35th pick in this year's NBA Draft, and traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
He is expected to develop in the Kings program during the 2019-20 NBL season in what's known as a "draft and stash" arrangement, having played in the recently-completed NBA Summer League.
"Didi" Louzada joins RJ Hampton (New Zealand Breakers), LaMelo Ball (Illawarra Hawks) and Terry Armstrong (South East Melbourne Phoenix) in using the NBL Next Stars program as a pathway to the NBA.
Inaugural Next Star Brian Bowen II recently signed a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers after playing for the Kings last season.
Kings CEO Chris Pongrass wants the club to become a hub for developing youth talent.
"Didi is a young, athletic wing that we believe can be a force in this league," Pongrass said.
"Finding a long, efficient scorer who can shoot the ball like Didi can is very rare.
"If we can be a catalyst for players to get to the NBA we're all for it."
Louzada played last season with Franca Basquetebol Clube in the Brazilian Premier League where he averaged 10.6 points per game on 50 per cent shooting from the field and 43 per cent from three.
He was named an All-Star and won the league's most improved player awards.
A member of the Brazilian team at World Cup qualifiers, Louzada played five games averaging 14 minutes, 5.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists.
He joins Andrew Bogut, Casper Ware, Kevin Lisch, Brad Newley, Daniel Kickert, Craig Moller, Jordan Hunter, Shaun Bruce and Kuany Kuany as the Kings contracted players with two remaining roster spots to be filled.
Australian Associated Press
