The two men sounded fully aware that their draft stock has not become fully cemented.
Virginia junior small forward Darion Atkins has learned he needs to prove he can become a more productive scorer. Delaware State power forward Kendall Gray described himself as a “raw talent offensively.” Yet, both players believe they can carve out an NBA future for one simple reason.
They play defense really well.
Atkins earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year and All-ACC Defensive Team honors, his 6-foot-8, 241-pound frame disrupting opposing players at the forward and the center positions.
“I can affect the game in many different ways than just scoring,” said Atkins, who credited his own perimeter and pick-and-roll defense.