Kobe Sanders has been dedicated to early morning workouts, a habit established during his childhood, with his parents instilling in him the value of hard work. At just 7 years of age, he didn’t understand the importance of these early sessions. Now, at the age of 23, he finds them essential and motivating as he prepares for the NBA Draft, scheduled to take place this week at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, the guard is generating buzz ahead of the draft, thanks to his rigorous training and impressive performance at various pre-draft workouts. He has showcased his talents in front of more than a dozen NBA teams, including an invitation to the prestigious NBA Draft Combine following a standout showing at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, an event featuring top college seniors.
Experts from ESPN and The Athletic have recognized his potential, placing him within their top 60 rankings, with mock drafts projecting him to be selected between picks 50 and 60. If drafted, Sanders would become the first player from Cal Poly to ever be chosen in the NBA Draft, marking a significant milestone for the university’s basketball program.
Reflecting on the potential of making history, Sanders expressed gratitude for the support of his family and coaches throughout his journey. His path to basketball prominence was unconventional; despite being an All-League talent at Christian High School in San Diego, he only drew interest from low-major Division I programs, including Cal Poly. It took three seasons at the Division I level for him to emerge as a standout player, during which he grew from 6 foot 4 to 6 foot 7.
During his final year at Cal Poly, Sanders averaged nearly 20 points per game before transferring to the University of Nevada for an additional season. There, he solidified his reputation as a key player in the competitive Mountain West Conference, averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, and gaining recognition from NBA scouts.
Sanders credits his early work ethic to his family’s background of hard work, which includes his father, Roland, who would wake up after night shifts to take him to the gym, and his mother, Sara, who hails from a farming family. His brother, Gage, underlines how family sacrifices have shaped their motivations.
Former Cal Poly coach John Smith recalls witnessing Sanders’ dedication firsthand during recruiting trips, highlighting the guard’s unwavering commitment to his training routine. Sanders became a crucial part of the Mustangs, finishing his college career 26th in the program’s history with 1,008 points.
Despite the challenges faced during his college career, including a rough stretch for the Mustangs, Sanders maintained his strong work ethic. Teammate Chance Hunter noted Sanders’ consistency in the gym regardless of game outcomes, embodying perseverance through various challenges.
As he gears up for the draft, Sanders is focusing on enhancing particular skills, like explosiveness and shooting accuracy, areas highlighted by potential NBA teams. His gradual rise in performance later in his college career suggests he possesses untapped potential, despite being regarded as an older prospect.
Sanders remains optimistic, asserting that he continues to improve and emphasizing the wisdom and maturity he brings to the table. Coach Smith has long believed in Sanders’ potential to play professionally, not only based on his skills but also due to his exemplary character.
With the NBA Draft quickly approaching, Kobe Sanders stands at the threshold of realizing his dream, driven by hard work, loyalty, and an unyielding spirit. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in achieving one’s goals.