Adelaide 36ers coach Joey Wright has declared Majok Deng a future NBA player after his stunning fourth-quarter heroics in Thursday's 97-86 NBL victory over Perth Wildcats.
Sparingly used across the first three periods, the Sudanese supersub exploded in the final term rattling off 16 quickfire points, including three triples and a huge dunk, to steamroll the shell-shocked Wildcats.
A 208cm forward blessed with deft shooting touch, eye-catching athleticism, a long wingspan and a desire to score, Deng has all the attributes to succeed in the NBA.
"His ability to dribble, shoot and pass the ball is on par with most people who play the game, anywhere," Wright said.
"He's got to transition to the three (small forward) if he's going to play at that (NBA) level.
"As he plays more and understands the game more, he can definitely play at that level."
Wright rates Deng, who plays limited minutes but averages a striking mid-20s per 40 minutes played, as pound-for-pound, Adelaide's most potent offensive force.
"Majok is definitely our best scorer for points per minute," Wright said.
"Our last game (he had) 13 points in 10 minutes and this game 16 points in 14 minutes."
Deng was inspired by watching ex-36er Terrance Ferguson enjoy a breakout performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the day and believes he can join his former teammate in the NBA if he keeps working hard."
The whole team watched it," Deng said of Ferguson's career-best 24 points, including six triples and two breathtaking slams.
"It was just amazing to see him getting a chance and using it well.
"That's everybody's dream - we all want to go down there."It could be possible but it is a lot of work."I feel comfortable on offence - that's my gift and my strong weapon."