R.C. Buford was in attendance for Pittsburgh’s home finale against Villanova, presumably to scout Steven Adams.

Adams, a native of New Zealand and a possible first-round selection in the forthcoming NBA draft, did not play in the game because he sprained an ankle in practice the day before.

The Spurs employ another New Zealander, Sean Marks, in their front office.

Marks serves as Buford’s director of basketball operations and remains involved in basketball in his home country.

Steven Adams has declared for the NBA draft and plans to sign with an agent.

Financial hardship is the main reason Adams is turning pro.

"In our conversations he was saying, 'I want to be here,' but I was well aware of the family situation," Pittsburgh coach Jaime Dixon said. "I have a history with the family. It's tough. He really loved it here. He's loved [his teammates] all the way through. It's hard. I know what he'd say, but I also knew what his family was saying when I had discussions with them."

One longtime NBA scout would not commit to saying Adams is a definite first-round draft pick.

"It's a shame, really," the scout said. "There is a lot more development that needs to be done there. Whether he was at Pitt or in the NBA, he is a ways away from helping an NBA team. But there are a lot of guys in the NBA who fit that description."