Two former Oregon basketball players are looking to continue their playing careers professionally, as both Mike Moser and Waverly Austin are looking toward the future.
There are two options available to college basketball players after they graduate: playing in the NBA or going overseas to try their luck. While neither player heard their name called during the 2014 NBA Draft Thursday night, they both now have a plan lined up.
Moser, who some thought would maybe hear his name called on draft night in the second round, has signed on as a free agent to play for the Boston Celtics. His teammate Austin has gone the other route, eyeing an opportunity to play in Germany.
Moser had been getting a lot of attention from teams for his ability to rebound and shoot the ball. He also brings tenacity and hustle to the court, skills that are always quite valuable in the NBA. Before the draft, he had worked out with 15 different teams, though the Celtics were not one of them.
“It was kind of crazy, to be honest,” Moser said in an interview with The Oregonian.
Moser picked the Celtics because they offered the best chance for him to play.
For Austin good news came in the form of a letter from the German government after they approved his bid for dual-citizenship due to his mother having been born in Germany. The approval betters his chance to make it in the German basketball league, as the rosters are limited in how many U.S. players they can have.
“I’ve really just been figuring out what situation I want to be in in Europe,” Austin said Friday in a phone interview with The Oregonian. “Most likely I’ll play in Germany, where I’ve had multiple offers to play. I don’t know which team yet but I know it’ll be in the first division.”
Reports from Austin’s camp say that he has been training hard since the Duck’s season ended in March. Standing 6-foot-11, Austin has apparently slimmed down 20 pounds to a lean 250 lbs while he worked-out alongside players like UCF’s Isaiah Sykes and Missouri’s Earnest Ross.
“It’s the best shape I feel like I’m in in my life,” Austin said. “I just feel more comfortable in my body and working out against all the guys. I feel good and I can’t wait. I’m in control of it now and I’m just looking for the opportunity to play.”
If Austin does decide to join a German squad, he wouldn’t depart until August.
Moser’s journey will start much sooner, as he is slated to participate in the NBA’s Orlando Summer League with the Celtics, which begins July 5. He has also received some interest from other teams to play in the Las Vegas Summer League on July 11.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur