Former Northwestern Wildcats forward John Shurna has signed to play with the Atlanta Hawks in the upcoming Las Vegas NBA summer league.
Shurna, who is Northwestern’s all-time leading scorer, was not selected in last week’s NBA draft. He met with the Hawks coaching staff on Tuesday and will work out in Atlanta until the Las Vegas league begins on July 13. It will run until July 22.
While Shurna was disappointed that he wasn’t drafted last week, he remains hopeful to make it to the NBA.
“I watched the draft with my dad,” Shurna said on Tuesday. “My name was not called. I know I worked as hard as I could in the [pre-draft] workouts, and that’s all you could do. On draft night, I realized how fortunate I am to have great friends.
“I think obviously everyone wants to hear their named called on draft night. I’m still in a good situation.”
Shurna’s plan for the summer league is to play as he always has throughout his career. His priority is to win.
“I think you have to treat it like every other game,” Shurna said. “Just go out there and play as hard as you can and try to help your team win. Try to win basketball games. I think you’re on a team, and the goal is to win a basketball game. You want to make winning plays and help your team win and compete as hard as you can.”
Shurna was a first-team all-Big Ten selection last season and averaged 20 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals. He led the Big Ten in scoring. Northwestern reached a school-record four consecutive NITs during his career.
Shurna, who is Northwestern’s all-time leading scorer, was not selected in last week’s NBA draft. He met with the Hawks coaching staff on Tuesday and will work out in Atlanta until the Las Vegas league begins on July 13. It will run until July 22.
While Shurna was disappointed that he wasn’t drafted last week, he remains hopeful to make it to the NBA.
“I watched the draft with my dad,” Shurna said on Tuesday. “My name was not called. I know I worked as hard as I could in the [pre-draft] workouts, and that’s all you could do. On draft night, I realized how fortunate I am to have great friends.
“I think obviously everyone wants to hear their named called on draft night. I’m still in a good situation.”
Shurna’s plan for the summer league is to play as he always has throughout his career. His priority is to win.
“I think you have to treat it like every other game,” Shurna said. “Just go out there and play as hard as you can and try to help your team win. Try to win basketball games. I think you’re on a team, and the goal is to win a basketball game. You want to make winning plays and help your team win and compete as hard as you can.”
Shurna was a first-team all-Big Ten selection last season and averaged 20 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals. He led the Big Ten in scoring. Northwestern reached a school-record four consecutive NITs during his career.

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