After a dominating season under Coach Lesovsky, A look how Maker fits under Coach Kidd

Thon Maker is taking his talents to Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Bucks stunned the basketball media world when they pulled the trigger on the former Athlete Institute standout with their tenth overall pick.

Maker arrives in Milwaukee with three centers in the organization. Greg Monroe, signed to a maximum contract in free agency by the Bucks last summer, John Henson and Miles Plumlee. Henson is under contract after signing a four-year, $44 million extension last fall, and Plumlee is at the end of his four-year rookie deal.

Maker was a mystery man in the draft. Some thought he would go in the second round and others thought he was a lottery pick. He convinced the the Bucks scouting staff, led by vice president of player personnel Dave Babcock and vice president of scouting Billy McKinney and that’s all that mattered.

Bucks general manager John Hammond spoke with the media following the team’s selection of Thon Maker.

“We know he’s going to do everything he can to be the best player he can be. We don’t have to teach him how to work, he knows how to work.” Hammond said paying homage to Makers work ethic.

Asked about the Bucks blueprint to Makers development, Hammond responded with relating a resolution to an area Thon currently thrives in, putting in work.

“The blueprint is real simple and it’s hard work. When Jason Kidd was hired, it was a game changer for us. These guys literally live in this gym.”

Hammond said when Maker worked out for the Bucks a few weeks ago, he stayed around after the six-man session and went through drills with some of the Bucks coaches,

“After Thon’s workout, he was waiting and got back on the floor. He went for like an extra hour and 45 minutes after that.” Hammond added.

Maker worked out for 13 teams during the pre-draft period. His final workout was two days prior to the draft. He now joins Canadian Tyler Ennis in Milwaukee.

Tenure in Canada

It was a tale of two seasons. First year north of the border Hoops Hype Canada high school analyst and Canadian Ballers scout Sonny Bairos says was a step backwards and in year two he took two steps forward.

“Year one he had somewhat of an identity crisis. The Kevin Durant label followed him when he was more Kevin Garnettish. Also he never really clicked alongside Jamal Murray either.” Bairos said about year one in which Thon failed to live up to both online hoopla and unfair expectations that followed Orangeville Prep through 2014-15.

“Year two less hoopla and expectations surrounded him. He always dominated Canadian competition but year two his numbers versus elite American competition were nothing short of dominating and consistent,” added Bairos.

Maker was the leader of the national prep champions in Canada Athlete Institute led by head coach Brendan Lesovsky. The Bears were 15-1 vs OSBA members and 16-3 in Canada total. Dropping a game to their brother program Orangeville Prep, Prolific Prep, CA and Wasatch Academy, UT. During the campaign they also beat Prolific Prep, Sunrise Chrisitan, Potters House among others.

When asked what Makers tenure in Canada will be most remembered for Bairos mentioned his arrival, work ethic, and precedent set before his departure.

“I’ll always remember his arrival. It rang bells world wide. His consummate professionalism, work ethic too but Thon’s tenure should always be remembered for the path he trail blazed. He made the direct jump from a Canadian high school to the NBA. Pioneers will always be imitated but can never be duplicated.”