Eric Moreland leaving Oregon State, entering NBA Draft
By Joe Nardone
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Moreland slightly tested the NBA Draft waters last season before withdrawing his name from the pool. Now, however, reports have come out that the Oregon State Beavers big man is turning pro.
Moreland isn’t exactly what you would call a household name. Rarely does 8.9 points, 10.3 rebounds and two blocks per game. That doesn’t mean he isn’t skilled. While the points won’t blow you away, the rebounding and blocks are some aspects of a game that could translate well to the next level.
Even with that being said, though, he isn’t really on mock draft websites’ radars. Neither of the big two NBA Draft sites have Moreland being drafted, with DraftExpress having him being ranked as the 38th best junior prospect in the country. Not the 38th best prospect, but the 38th best JUNIOR prospect.
That means Moreland is likely to go undrafted. Well, that is if things don’t change in the relatively near future.
The best case scenario has Eric Moreland going in the second-round (late), but there’s certainly nothing wrong with making a name for yourself overseas either. Can’t knock a kid for wanting to get paid to play hoops when the alternative is being used for cash by a school.
Oops.
Moreland was suspended for 12 games last season. His numbers were put up in just 20 games of action.