We want to know as much information as we can on these players."
Ujiri, who dismissed Kidd roughly two weeks after taking over the Mavericks front office in May, noted that many elements of the collegiate system now mirror the pros due to Name, Image, and Likeness regulations.
"It's a different ballgame with NIL in college. It's like a professional league," Ujiri said.
"Many things I think translate in some kind of way. I look at the style of play, big players, how he sees the game.
And then I look at the person. Incredible person."
The front office pointed out that the 49-year-old coach spent 21 years in the college ranks, working his way up through various assistant and video coordination positions before finding elite success.
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"He's somebody who came up in a really tough way, video coordinator, assistant coach, and how he's developed himself," Ujiri said.
"He's worked everywhere. He's coached small teams, big teams."
Johnson Excited to Reunite
Following his selection as the ninth overall pick, Johnson expressed immediate excitement about reuniting with his college coach in Texas.
"The Michigan Mavs," Johnson said.
The newly drafted rookie averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds as a sophomore with Michigan, following a freshman season spent at Illinois.
May released a statement expressing his enthusiasm for joining a franchise with a clear championship trajectory.
"This is one of the most respected franchises in professional sports, with passionate fans, a talented roster, and a clear commitment to building a championship organization," May said.
