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Former Real Madrid basketball star Luka Doncic drafted by the Dallas Mavericks

By Ben Sundock

BROOKLYN, NY- JUNE 21: Luka Doncic is photographed after being selected number three overall during the 2018 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 in Brooklyn, NY. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY- JUNE 21: Luka Doncic is photographed after being selected number three overall during the 2018 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 in Brooklyn, NY. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Luka Doncic had an outstanding season with the Real Madrid basketball team leading them to European and domestic league titles. Last night, the 19-year-old was selected third in the NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks.

"“The Mavericks hit a home run here. It may well have cleared not just the fences, but also the top level of seats and walls marking the boundaries of the ballpark.”"

This is the praise Adam Fromal of Bleacher Report had for the Dallas pick and for the former Real point guard. After playing with the Spanish giants from 2015, the incredibly talented guard born in Slovenia is ready to make the jump to the biggest league in the world.

Luka certainly worked his way up to being the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft going only behind DeAndre Ayton out of Arizona and Marvin Bagley III out of Duke. The European star was so good playing in Europe that every NBA team was dying to acquire him on draft night.

In fact, the Mavs had to trade up two spots to ink the young guard switching spots with the Atlanta Hawks who dropped back to fifth to draft point guard Trae Young out of Oklahoma.

The last three seasons in Spain have shown that Doncic is just beginning to realize his full potential. Each of the past three years, he has played in more games, averaged more points per game, and played more minutes per game than the last.

Plus, his size is perfect for the NBA. Especially for a guy running the point. At 6’8″, 228 lbs, Doncic can play anywhere from point guard thanks to his incredibly ball-handling abilites, to small forward thanks to his size.

While players like Young are all but locked in to one position due to being smaller, Luka’s versatility will make him a key part of this Mavericks lineup almost immediately. With Real Madrid, head coach Pablo Laso excelled at utilizing Luka Doncic in multiple positions and helping develop him into a top prospect for this draft class.

The Dallas fanbase should be ecstatic as this young player has an incredibly high ceiling. To think that he is already one of the best players to play in the EuroLeague and is still not at his peak is hard to believe.

Within a couple of seasons, I can see Doncic being an All-Star and one of the best guards in the league.

Next: Real Madrid: Luka Modric overshadows Lionel Messi and Argentina in win

Watch out NBA fans, you will soon be seeing the name Luka Doncic a whole lot in the news with his great play on both ends of the floor. Dallas made a great decision moving up to select this guy as he has proven that he is one of the best under 20-year-olds in the world.

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more great Real Madrid coverage!

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