Rihanna & James Young, Twitter Fans Mock NBA 'Crush' - Boston Celtics Draft Young Baller For RiRi & Jay-Z Fame, Dating Rumors Erupt

Apparently, rising NBA star James Young will be infamously known for his hip-hop affiliations within the organization.

Back in April, the 18-year-old b-baller sat courtside at a Brooklyn Nets game, right next to pop sensation Rihanna. Young had the privilege to "flirt" with RiRi thanks to a connection within Jay-Z's Roc Nation...

The Boston Celtics recently drafted Young, and instead of focusing on his "game," several sports reporters were more interested in his blossoming relationship with Drake's ex! As Mstars previously reported:

After Young and Rihanna were spotted "sitting together" at the Barclays Center, rumors that the two were dating quickly erupted online: 

Reports later confirmed that Young and RiRi barely knew each other - they both received prime seats simply because of affiliation with rapper Jay-Z's Roc Nation management agency. That's all. Of course, the 26-year-old Barbadian beauty then started dating 'Nothing Was The Same' crooner, Drake.

But now she's single again... and Young might be ready to make his move!

On Thursday (June 26), the 18-year-old athlete was drafted the 17th overall pick by the Boston Celtics after playing college b-ball at the University of Kentucky. During a post-draft press conference, Young dicussed his future success with the team. He also mentioned Rihanna. Of course he'd invite her to come watch his skills on the court!

"Yeah, I mean, of course I will," Young smiling told reporters. "Who wouldn't? If she wants to come, I definitely would." 

He then went on to discuss their initial interaction at the Nets game:

"I got to talk to her a little bit... She's a cool person, a sweet lady, and I kind of met her at halftime, too. She's really nice." 

Wonder if RiRi will accept?

Check out a transcript of the full interview here for more details.

Well, several Twitter fans had a ball with that! Is Young an athlete, or a future celebrity sidekick?

@ChewyOVO: "Crazy how James Young is my age and just signed a Multi Million dollar contract with the Celtics & sits court side with Rihanna... blessed."

@rgreelz94: "James Young bangs Rihanna bangs and is boys with Jay Z that just screams great draft pick for the Celts."

‏@TomLorenzo: "James Young was asked about Rihanna and then, later, Jay Z. We're doing work here in the interview room."

@wha1en: "18-year-old James Young sits courtside with Rihanna. When I was 18, I routinely ordered pizzas at 1am while playing 2k7 in my dorm room."

‏@JCameratoNBA: "James Youngwas asked about Rihanna in his Draft interview tonight. Not a question you hear every year."

@ThaMambaKiller9: "Now I see why James Young was with Rihanna at tht game...roc nation sellin tht pu$$y for contracts."

@jordanaflowers: "They only drafted James Young so Rihanna will come to the games."

This should be an interesting season...