Sergey Karasev Denies Draft Promise

Despite rumors to the contrary, prospect Sergey Karasev told Russian outlet Ria Novosti that he does not have a guarantee from a team that he will be taken in the first round (h/t Sportando).  The 19-year-old returned to Moscow earlier this week, rather than participate in private workouts, fueling speculation that he got a first round guarantee.

However, Karasev says he left the United States because he does not have time for individual workouts as he gets set for the World University Games in July.  Meanwhile, he notes that plenty of NBA scouts have already seen him play with his Russian club team and at the Hoops Summit in Portland last month.  

Earlier this week, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports said that he believes the small forward probably received a guarantee from a team between Nos. 14 and 24.  It's also curious that Karasev would opt out of private team workouts following his flat showing in Las Vegas.

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