:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69654701/1310677669.0.jpg)
Unfortunately, Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Joel Ayayi went undrafted during the 2021 NBA Draft on Thursday evening. Immediately following the conclusion of the draft, the Lakers signed Ayayi to a two-way contract.
Gonzaga's Joel Ayayi has agreed to a two-way contract with the Lakers, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 30, 2021
After arriving at Gonzaga as an incredibly talented, yet incredibly raw, player, after years of hard work, Ayayi slowly realized his potential. Last season, he averaged 12 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for the Zags. He registered the first triple-double in school history, largely playing as the fourth or fifth scoring option on the floor behind Kispert, Suggs, Drew Timme, and Andrew Nembhard.
Ayayi was all over the place on the NBA Draft boards, but as a well-rounded player who would operate perfectly as a complimentary option, it would not be a surprise to see Ayayi sign a two-way contract or something of the sort.
It was a good evening for the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the draft. Three players were drafted for the first time in history: Jalen Suggs at No. 5, Corey Kispert at No. 15, and Filip Petrusev at No. 50.