Several NCAA basketball programs are anxiously awaiting NBA Draft decisions from their stars. Here are those that have the biggest decisions looming?
With the college basketball season concluding, it means we have officially entered the off-season, where player movement seems to be at an all-time high. An important thing to monitor over the next few weeks will be which players declare for the draft and which decide to stay in school. A new rule allows players to declare for the draft, hire an agent, and test the NBA draft waters, but they must decide by late May whether they will be returning to school or not. Several teams have players that are on the fence about turning pro, so let’s take a look at teams with prospects on the fence and how it will impact the college basketball landscape next season.
This piece is not looking at who is losing the most talent to the NBA, but rather looking at whose team picture for next year is the most unclear. For example, we all know Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, and Cam Reddish are not coming back to Duke, so there is nothing to discuss there. Before we look at the top five, here’s a look at some honorable mentions.
Tennessee Volunteers
Players to monitor: Grant Williams and Jordan Bone
Both of these guys have already declared for the draft, but with neither being a surefire first-round pick, it is plausible that either of them returns. For Williams, it would probably be in his best interest to stay. After winning back-to-back SEC Player of the Year awards, he likely can’t improve his stock much more. Bone is an interesting case. He didn’t post huge numbers as a third option on a loaded Tennessee team, so by returning he could see his stats improve. However, at already 21-years-old, his age will only hurt him if he stays another year.
I bet both stay in the draft, but think Bone would benefit from coming back. If both come back, Tennessee will be an elite team again. If just Bone returns, Tennessee might be ranked but would be a long way away from Final Four caliber. If neither returns, then the Volunteers will probably not see themselves in the preseason top 25.
Virginia Cavaliers
Players to watch: Ty Jerome, Kyle Guy
The defending national champs will surely lose projected lottery pick De’Andre Hunter but Ty Jerome and Kyle Guy have decisions to make about their respective futures. After a strong NCAA tournament, Jerome elevated his stock to a fringe first-round candidate but will surely be drafted and I expect him to leave.
Guy is the more interesting case. He is currently not on a lot of draft boards, but after winning a championship, there is not much more for Guy to prove at this level. He is undersized for a shooting guard and lacks an ability to create for himself, but his natural shooting touch and sneaky athleticism could earn himself a second-round selection. Ultimately, I think Guy returns to school, but it wouldn’t shock me if he decided to leave.
If the dynamic backcourt returns to Virginia, then it would be hard to not have them as the preseason No. 1. But assuming Jerome goes pro and Guy stays, the Hoos should still be a top ten team with several key role players returning.