Dallas Mavericks sign 2nd-round pick Ricky Ledo

In the span of just over 12 months, Ricky Ledo has gone from high school student, to NCAA-ineligible college freshman, and now, to confirmed NBA basketball player without ever setting foot on a college basketball court during game action.

The Dallas Mavericks announced on Tuesday afternoon that Ledo had been signed to a contract, and the journey was complete. The 6-foot-7 swingman was far from assured of a contract after his 2nd-round selection, but he impressed in a major way with the team in Summer League. He averaged just 7.3 points and 3.8 rebounds over the Mavs’ 6-game slate, but his high-end athleticism and natural ability managed to shine through on the court.

He is, admittedly, a project for the Mavericks, but Dallas is a team that could use that sort of potential. He was a tremendously high-profile recruit before being ruled ineligible at Providence, and with that great size, he has a nose for the basket. In addition, there have been rave reviews about his natural court sense, and if it wasn’t for some off-the-court concerns, I would imagine he would’ve gone off the board far before the 43rd overall pick.

In the “end”, this is just the beginning for Ledo. Even with a guaranteed contract for this season, he’ll be scrapping for opportunity in Dallas, but that is certainly better than the life of an average, journeyman 2nd-round pick.