The NBA Draft has long been a great night for college wannabes who have thrown themselves into the pro leagues. In recent years, however, the focus has shifted from where talented young players are headed to what – and in some cases, who – they wear.
From custom jewelry to high-end designers, these were the top 10 fashion highlights on Thursday night:
Paolo Banchero is causing a sensation as choice n. 1 of the Orlando Magic and is turning heads in the fashion world for his signature look. The Duke’s forward wore a custom rhinestone-embellished Dolce & Gabbana dress by Neiman Marcus in a royal purple hue. His kicks, also by Neiman Marcus, are by Giuseppe Zanotti. Houston jeweler Zo Frost designed Bancheo’s necklace, a diamond-encrusted chain with her nickname “P5” written in ice.
A detailed view of Jeremy Sochan’s necklace 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 striker wore a light lavender double-breasted tailored jacket with matching pants by Indochino, Salvatore Ferragamo loafers and a Hublot timepiece.
A 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 Images
3. Jalen Williams
Thus marks one of the biggest trends on Thursday night: Jalen Williams also showed off a Hublot watch. Before being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the former Santa Clara guard was all smiles on the red carpet when he revealed the designer behind him his head-to-toe logo mania suit. “Gucci down to the shoes,” she said.
Tari Eason congratulates 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 / Associated Press
4. Tari Eason
The Houston Rockets have taken Tari Eason, a former LSU forward, with their 17th overall pick. He wore a green Kelly suit with black peaked lapels and a smart accessory. “So, it’s an Atari chain. My name is Atari and an old school game was Atari, ”he told GQ Sports (@gqsports). “So. I just thought I’d play with my name and freeze it.”
Bennedict Mathurin reacts after being drafted sixth overall by the Indiana Pacers during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City.
Sarah Stier / Getty Images
5. Benedetto Mathurin
Bennedict Mathurin, a Montreal native and sixth overall draft pick, played for the Arizona Wildcats before being selected by the Indiana Pacers. He showed an all-black Hublot watch underneath his crimson three-piece suit with a paisley print.
Chet Holmgren poses for photos on the red carpet during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City.
Arturo Holmes / Getty Images
6. Chet Holmgren
Former Gonzaga Bulldog Chet Holmgren, second overall pick from Oklahoma City, wore an Ermenegildo Zegna black-on-black jacquard jacket as part of Neiman Marcus’ #NMConcreterunway social media campaign.
7. Kylian Lottin
OK, OK, so this is more of an honorable mention. French professional footballer Kylian Lottin appears to be a huge basketball fan. He wore a (relatively) discreet Christian Dior look to the draft, an important fashion moment for any off-duty athlete.
A 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 Images
8. Jabari Smith
The Rockets scored former striker Auburn Jabari Smith Jr. with the third overall pick. Here, Greg Rajan of the Chronicle shares “Five things to know about the best choice of the Rockets”. Also of note: the inside of Smith’s three-piece suit in classic navy blue was lined with beloved photos from his college basketball days.
9. Adrian Griffin
Adrian Griffin Jr., formerly Duke Blue Devil turned Atlanta Hawk, also starred in the Neiman Marcus #NMConcreterunway campaign. He wore a satin-edged tuxedo jacket with matching pants by Giorgio Armani.
Kendall Brown wore one of the most avant-garde looks of the evening: a hooded sweater by Maison Margiela in pale pink, Supreme trousers and a Tissot timepiece.
Kendall T. Brown @kendallbrown
10. Kendall Brown
Former Baylor Bear Kendall Brown is headed to Minnesota. His fitted cut was also one of the most avant-garde looks of the evening: a hooded sweater by Maison Margiela in pale pink, Supreme trousers and a Tissot timepiece.