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Michigan State Basketball: Pros and cons of Xavier Tillman’s NBA Draft decision

By Tristan Freeman

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 06: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 06: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State Basketball
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 04: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Michigan State Basketball has to wait a little longer for Xavier Tillman and his pending NBA Draft decision. What are the pros and cons for him?

It’s been a fantastic couple of weeks for Michigan Basketball on the recruiting trail. They landed No. 1 overall class of 2022 recruit in Emoni Bates, as well as top-35 big man Enoch Boakye in that same class. They both could potentially reclassify to join five-star commit Max Christie in the 2021 group to create a “super team”. But now, the Spartans are hoping to get back a player they already had in Xavier Tillman.

Even though we’re approaching the month of August, most college basketball rosters aren’t set yet. That’s because due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the altering of the entire NBA calendar, the deadline for collegiate players to withdraw from the NBA Draft has been extended to August 3, with two extra weeks in case of a canceled college season.

For players such as Tillman, the delayed deadline has them plenty to think about during these months. The 6’8 forward is coming off his best season yet in a Spartan uniform, averaging 13.7 ppg and a team-high 10.3 rpg and 2.1 bpg. He also showed off his passing skills, racking up three assists per game as well.

The All-Big Ten performer entered the NBA Draft shortly after the premature end of the season and is one of the more intriguing prospects scouts and analysts have been looking at. At 6’8 and nearly 250 pounds, Tillman is a tweener between a natural power forward and center. He’s not the greatest athlete in the world but has big-time strength and intelligence to make up for body concerns. His passing ability for a big man is also a plus to be considered.

Right now, Tillman projects to go anywhere near between the late 1st round and end of second, which is a tough space for a player to be. There are guaranteed money at stake, as well as the right situation to fall towards. There are plenty of reasons for the Spartan big man to stay in the draft, as well as a potential return for his senior campaign.

With an official announcement set for this Sunday, here some pros and cons that Tillman is probably considering at the moment.

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