Law Student Who’s Only Played Rec Basketball Uses Loophole To Get Official Invite To NBA Draft

On Thursday night, Victor Wembanyama will inevitably become the first of the dozens of basketball players who will get the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream after hearing their name called at the NBA Draft.

That honor is the culmination of years of the hard work you need to put in in order to earn the right to take your talents to the most prestigious league on the planet, which means the average person will never get to experience what it’s like to mingle with other prospects and bask in the glory that comes with attending the event.

However, one man (who just so happens to be the person writing this article) got a chance to do exactly that in 2015 when he used his 6’10” frame to sneak past multiple levels of security at Barclays Center before hitting the town to celebrate with some unsuspecting strangers who were under the impression he was selected by the Jazz in the second round of the NBA Draft.

That stunt came with a little bit of risk, as purchasing a ticket to attend the NBA Draft does not grant you the right to head down to the floor and attempt to rub shoulders with the guys who have a real, actual chance of being selected.

According to ABC7, Jordan Haber—a 21-year-old law student from Florida—may not be listed on any boards ahead of this year’s draft, but that didn’t stop him from pulling off a stunt of his own with the blessing of the NBA after taking a closer look at the eligibility requirements.

The outlet reports Haber realized the rules state you only need to be at least 19 years old and out of high school for at least one year in order to declare for the NBA Draft (which you must do at least 60 days before it commences).

There is no actual language that states you needed to play organized basketball at any level, which means the NBA was happy to approve an application from a man whose experience is limited to rec leagues and who was never a member of a team in college, high school, or middle school.

While the NBA might address this loophole now that Haber has exploited it, he was able to obtain an official invite to attend the draft at Barclays Center and hopped on a plane over the weekend to make the trek to New York City.

Well played.