After a roller-coaster two years, former Yakima Valley College standout MarJon Beauchamp is heading to the NBA after being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 24th overall pick of the 2022 draft on June 23.
A highly-regarded high school prospect, Beauchamp joined Chameleon BX — a training program for draft hopefuls — in the summer of 2020. But when COVID imposed restrictions that forced the closure of the program, Beauchamp returned home to Yakima and joined YVC’s basketball team for its shortened 2021 season.
In just 12 games, Beauchamp dominated, averaging 30.7 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while playing the wing position. The combination of athleticism, defensive versatility and length (standing 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan) helped him win a spot with the G-League Ignite following his season with the Yaks. With the Ignite, Beauchamp was second on the team averaging 15.7 points and 6.4 rebounds, while also tallying 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals.
“I’m just blessed to be here and really like, I’m just ready to grow and become a great basketball player. And just keep working because that’s all I do.”
— MarJon Beauchamp
The former Yak looks forward to joining the 2021 NBA champion Bucks and learning from star players Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.
“Man, I’m so excited. Playing with one of the greatest to play the game and a great team, to learn from them and to learn from Khris Middleton and all the vets they have, it’s amazing,” said Beauchamp in his post-draft press conference.
“I’m just blessed to be here and really like, I’m just ready to grow and become a great basketball player. And just keep working because that’s all I do. I work and I can’t wait to get to this new city.”
Beauchamp’s former YVC coaches, Head Coach London Wilson and Assistant Coach Ray Funk, were among family members and friends who gathered for a watch party on draft night at the Henry Beauchamp Community Center, where he grew up playing basketball.
“MarJon paved a path a complete his dreams. His raw emotion when being selected by the Bucks tells it all,” Wilson said. “MarJon is always ready to work and the Bucks seem like that is part of their identity as well. No player on their team was the elite superstar coming in and everyone had to grind their way to the top. Likewise, MarJon has created this and will continue to grow and develop because that is what he does. His best days are to come.”
“It’s so special and rare that a YVC student-athlete is drafted by any professional sports league,” said Funk, who also serves as YVC’s athletics director. “To do so in the first round is an even greater accomplishment. So proud of MarJon for his perseverance, work ethic and determination, and thankful to have been a part of the process and to have worked with his family.”