NBA DRAFT

June 22, 2023

Ausar Thompson

Q. When did you first find out that you were going to the Pistons, and what's your reaction on joining that up-and-coming young team?

AUSAR THOMPSON: I found out when they said the name. I was like, oh, they're going to call? I don't know if I'm getting drafted, but I saw the cameras coming, like maybe I am. I was super excited to get drafted by the Pistons. I'm just happy to be a Piston, for sure.

Q. When you met with the Pistons, did you get a sense that there was a chance you would go there at 5, or is this a little bit of a surprise to you?

AUSAR THOMPSON: No, I definitely thought there was a chance. I felt like there was a connection, there was chemistry. I liked what they were talking about. I liked the direction they wanted to go in as a team, and I just felt like that was a perfect place for me.

Q. You and your brother will obviously be going separate ways, very different parts of the country. Do you estimate there will be an emotional obstacle that you'll have to overcome as you learn to live apart from each other?

AUSAR THOMPSON: I feel like we're going to adapt. It may be a little hard, but I think he's going to be fine. I know I'm going to be fine. I'll FaceTime him.