CHICAGO - Former Maryland center
Bruno Fernando, who is looking to become the first Angolan to play in the NBA, impressed in workouts at the recent 2019 NBA Draft Combine.
The All-Big Ten honoree and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award finalist elected not to compete in scrimmages, but took part in all of the drills and measurements. He also met with multiple teams and engaged in an array of media opportunities.
"It was a really cool experience just getting to know the guys and the environment," Fernando said in a video posted on Twitter by @NBADraft. "The coolest part about everything was getting to know the teams and seeing a lot of NBA legends on the court. It was a great environment being around guys from different schools all trying to chase their dreams."
Fernando was great in drills among centers, ranking first in the shuttle run (3.05), three quarter spring (3.21) and max bench press (13 reps), while ranking second in lane agility (11.29) and third in standing vertical (29.5) and max vertical (33.5).
The Luanda, Angola native will likely be the first person from his country to be selected in NBA Draft history. Fernando was emotional thinking about the possibility.
"I don't know if I'll be able to describe how I'll feel," Fernando said to media at the event. "I'll probably get into tears right away. You start to think about the moments ever since I picked up a basketball and to now be here and having the opportunity in front of me. A million kids wish they were in my position, so for me to be here is nothing but a blessing."
This was Fernando's second trip to the NBA Combine after testing the waters in 2018, before ultimately deciding to return to Maryland upon receiving feedback. He noted that being a veteran of the event was a bonus this season.
"It was a lot easier than it was last year," Fernando said. "This year I was a lot more confident and comfortable. I knew what to expect just being around the guys and the media."
The 2019 NBA Draft is set to take place on Thursday, June 20.
