Bucks' MarJon Beauchamp reveals reason behind choosing to wear No. 0

MarJon Beauchamp’s Unorthodox Journey to the NBA

Traditionally, players drafted into the NBA follow the college route. Whether they stay for four years or are one-and-done or somewhere in between, it has been typical for young prospects to spend some time in college to showcase their skills and grow as a player. Over the past few seasons, though, more and more players have been opting for developmental leagues, such as the G League, in hopes of making it to the NBA. This, of course, is the route that Beauchamp took. However, it was not that clear-cut.

Learning From Brandon Roy

Brandon Roy was, at one time, one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. Unfortunately, serious knee injuries shortened his career to just five seasons. In those five seasons, Roy was a three-time All-Star and was the 2006-07 Rookie of the Year.

After his playing career ended, Roy became a high school basketball coach in Washington State. It was there that he met and began teaching a young Beauchamp. Roy was the head coach at Nathan Hale High School in Washington State. He led Beauchamp and future NBA player Michael Porter Jr. to a state title in their freshman season. Roy took at job a Garfield High School the next school year, and Beauchamp followed Roy and won another state championship.

High School

After his sophomore season, Beauchamp attended Rainier High School where he blossomed as a legitimate college prospect. During his junior season, Beauchamp averaged 26 points, 11 rebounds and five assists per game. It was after this season that Beauchamp decided to move to Arizona to play for Dream City Christian.

This was a difficult decision for Beauchamp. He bet on himself to go to a school where he would get the most attention from college and professional scouts. The catch? He went on his own. It was in Arizona that he experienced homelessness. Without his family, Beauchamp was on his own.

After graduating, Beauchamp had interest from several Division I schools including Arizona, Washington and Marquette. However, Beauchamp elected to forgo college and partake in an experimental development program called Chameleon BX. The program was run by Frank Matrisciano whose training helped Blake Griffin become a number one overall draft pick.

COVID-19 and College

The Chameleon BX training program, though, ended up folding due to COVID-19. This development was devastating to Beauchamp, and he considered giving up basketball. After moving back home, he reconnected with some old friends and coaches and decided to enroll at Yakima Community College to play ball.

The move ended up working out for Beauchamp. He led the Northwest Athletic Conference in scoring and put up averages of 30.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Again, Beauchamp drew interest from several Division I schools. However, he chose to sign with the G League Ignite, betting on himself once again.

Draft Night

After averaging 15.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists for the Ignite, Beauchamp entered his name in the NBA draft. He was a high-profile prospect that many did not expect to fall to the Bucks at pick 24. 

“We didn’t think he was going to be there at No. 24 and we were desperately trying to move up to make sure that we could get in a range that we could get him," said Milt Newton, assistant general manager. "But he was there, and we’re happy with that selection.”

When his name was called, Beauchamp could not conceal the emotion that he felt. There were tears of happiness shed, and he instantly became a fan-favorite in Milwaukee.

Beauchamp landed in Milwaukee on Monday night. Now it’s time to work.