The NBA Draft has long been a big night for college candidates jumping into the professional league. In recent years, however, the attention of young, talented players has shifted to where they are headed – and in some cases, who they are wearing.
From custom bling to high-end designers, these were fashion’s 10 biggest moments from Thursday night:
Paolo Banchero is making waves in the fashion world for his designer looks as the No. 1 pick and turning head of the Orlando Magic. The Duke forward wore a custom, rhinestone-adorned suit by Dolce & Gabbana from Neiman Marcus in royal purple. His kick, also from Neiman Marcus, is by Guiseppe Zanotti. Houston jeweler Zoe Frost designed Banchio’s necklace, a chain adorned with diamonds with the nickname “P5” written in snow.
Detailed view of Jeremy Sochan’s defeat during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City.
Arturo Holmes / Getty Images2. Jeremy Sochan
Jeremy Sochan, a Polish-American and former Baylor Bear, was selected by the San Antonio Spurs. The versatile forward wore a pale lavender double-breasted, made-to-measure jacket with matching trousers by Indochino, Salvatore Ferragamo loafers, and a timepiece by Hublot.
Detailed view of Jalen Williams’ watch during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City.
Arturo Holmes / Getty Images3. Jalen Williams
Thus one of Thursday night’s biggest trends — Jalen Williams also rocked a watch by Hublot. Before being picked up by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the former Santa Clara guard was smiling on the red carpet when he revealed his head-to-toe, designer behind the Logo Mania ensemble. “Gucci down to the shoes,” he said.
Tari Eason is greeted by NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 17th overall by the Houston Rockets in the NBA Basketball Draft on Thursday, June 23, 2022 in New York.
John Minchillo / The Associated Press4. Tari Eason
The Houston Rockets led Tari Eason, a former LSU, with the 17th overall pick. She wore a Kelly Green suit with black peak lapels and a clever accessory. “So, it’s an Atari series. My name is Atari and the old school game was Atari,” he told GQ Sports (@gqsports). “So. I thought I’d play with my name and get over it.
Benedict Mathurin reacts after being drafted with the sixth overall pick by the Indiana Pacers during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City.
Sarah Steer/Getty Images5. Benedict Mathurin
Montreal native and sixth overall draft pick Benedict Mathurin played for the Arizona Wildcats before being selected by the Indiana Pacers. She flashed an all-black Hublot timepiece under her crimson, three-piece suit in a paisley print.
Chet Holmgren photographs on the red carpet during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City.
Arturo Holmes / Getty Images6. Chet Holmgren
Former Gonzaga Bulldog Chet Holmgren, second overall pick by Oklahoma City, appropriated in a black-on-black jacquard jacket by Ermenegildo Zegna as part of Neiman Marcus’s #NMConcreterunway social media campaign.
7. Kylian Lottin
OK, OK – so this is more than an honorary mention. French professional footballer Kylian Loutin is a big fan of basketball. She wore a (relatively) low-key look by Christian Dior for the draft—a major fashion moment for any off-duty athlete.
Detailed view of Jabari Smith Jr.’s suit during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City.
Arturo Holmes / Getty Images8. Jabari Smith
The Rockets scored former Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. with the third overall pick. Here, Greg Rajan of the Chronicle shares “five things to know about the Rockets’ top draft pick.” Also of note: The inside of Smith’s three-piece suit in classic navy was lined with cherished photos from his college basketball days.
9. Adrian Griffin
Adrian Griffin Jr., former Duke Blue Devil turned Atlanta Hawk, also starred in the Neiman Marcus #NMConcreterunway campaign. She wore a satin-trimmed tuxedo jacket with matching pants from Giorgio Armani.
Kendall Brown wore one of the night’s most avant garde looks: a Maison Margiela hooded sweater in light pink, Supreme pants and a Tissot timepiece.
Kendall T. Brown @kendalltbrown10. Kendall Brown
Former Boiler Bear Kendall Brown is headed for Minnesota. Her dress down ‘fit was also one of the night’s most avant garde looks: a Maison Margiela hooded sweater in pale pink, Supreme pants, and a Tissot timepiece.