More on Brandon Ashley

Bruce Pascoe on Wednesday: "After working out for the Suns today, Brandon Ashley told the media that it’s time for players to “make a new name” for themselves as professionals.

But he still couldn’t help but give former Wisconsin forward Sam Dekker a jab after the former Wisconsin forward turned the ball over today.

“When we played Wisconsin, for whatever reason, they didn’t want to turn the ball over,” Ashley said. “Plus they wanted to shoot 80 percent in the second half. So he threw a turnover right in my in hands and I told him we could have used a couple of those in the Elite Eight.”

Via an audio file provided by the Suns, Ashley said the workout was his fifth for an NBA team, having already worked out for the Bulls, Spurs, Grizzlies and Lakers. Ashley said he has plans to work out for the Warriors, Cavaliers, Wizards and Celtics leading up to the June 25 draft.

While Ashley isn’t projected to be taken on Draft Express’ latest mock draft, he said he’s heard he could go anywhere from late in the first round to midway through the second.

“If not, I’m still fortunate with the opportunity to play, to showcase my skills and prove myself on the next level,” Ashley said. “Regardless of where I go, I want to make the best of the situation I’m in.”

Ashley said he knows NBA teams have watched him a lot already, and may have “their minds made up” on what prospects can do, so has been aiming to disprove any perceived weaknesses (in particular, his “motor” has been questioned).

“One of the main things teams want to see is how hard you play, whether you can compete or not, whether you’re going to give it your all on every play,” Ashley said. “One of the things I definitely have to show is that I can shoot the ball pretty well for my size."