Toronto Raptors welcome Jonathan Mogbo and Ja’Kobe Walter to team

In an press conference at OVO Athletic Centre Friday morning, the Raptors welcomed two of their rookies to the team.

The Toronto Raptors welcomed their two newest rookies to the city Friday morning as Jonathan Mogbo and Ja’Kobe Walter were officially welcomed to the organization.

Walter was drafted 19th overall, while Mogbo was taken 31st in the NBA’s two-night draft this week.

This morning, they both spoke to the media, with their families in attendance, before taking photos at OVO Athletic Centre.

First up was Ja’Kobe Walter, who said he got to Toronto yesterday, his first time in Canada. He’s been loving the city and compares it to New York, and saying the fanbase has already been showing him a lot of love.

There’s a lot of things I need to learn. The game, even more IQ-wise. The speed of the game. Strength. There’s a lot of things I need to work on. I think my main focus will be just how to play off the ball and create for others. – Ja’Kobe Walter

It’s been a hectic few days for Walter since being drafted 19th overall on Wednesday night. He had to travel to Toronto, meet with Darko and the front office, do a few medical things, some media, and has been exploring the city.

It’ll continue to be hectic for him as he prepares to head to Summer League in Las Vegas in the next few weeks.

Up next was Jonathan Mogbo, who was drafted yesterday in West Palm Beach, Florida (with Scottie Barnes in attendance. He talked about his and Barnes’ relationship spanning back to fourth grade, the two having a bond that has lasted through high school and college and now into the NBA.

Mogbo has actually been to Toronto a few times since Scottie was drafted to visit him — telling stories about how he has been mistaken for Precious Achiuwa multiple times over the years. He finally met Precious, who agreed they look a little alike.

Overall Jonathan is excited to be here, to see how his relationship with Scottie impacts the team, and to get to work.

“I told Scott about [the draft party] before the draft happened. I was like, because I didn’t know his schedule, I said, you can come out if you can. He said, ‘I’ll be there.’ That was good to have him. After my name was called I looked around, I saw him crying in the corner. Yeah, it was tears of joy. I didn’t shed a tear. I couldn’t, I had to be the stronger one. – Jonathan Mogbo

Another interesting thing about Mogbo is the intense growth spurt he experienced as a teenager, bolstering his prospects for college and beyond. He says before he grew he definitely didn’t know if the basketball thing would work out.

He grew from being under 6ft to reading 6-foot-8 in the span of a few years, and his career was back on track. He also notes how much work he had to put in to prove himself over his four years of college — going form junior college to Division One over four years. The style of play program to program was different and he had to prove himself each time. Something he plans to do again in Toronto.

After the press conferences were over, both rookies took to the court to take a few pictures with Masai Ujiri and their families.

The Raptors also completed two trades on day two of the NBA Draft. One that sent Jalen McDaniels to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, and the 45th pick (which turned out to be Jamal Shead). Then they made a trade with Minnesota to acquire the 57th pick, which turned out to be Ulrich Chomche.

Since these new players are all included in trades that have not been 100% confirmed and completed yet, they were not part of the introductions this morning. It is likely they will be introduced at a later time.

Welcome to Toronto, Ja’Kobe and Jonathan!