NBA Draft 2021: 10 biggest upcoming draft decisions to watch for
By Matt Melton
6. F EJ Liddell – Ohio State
2020-21 Season Stats: 16.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 47.4 FG%, 33.8 3P%, 74.6 FT%
Ohio State received more clarification for their 2021-22 roster earlier this week when Duane Washington announced his intentions to remain in the Draft, could the same happen with Liddell? Coming off a First-Team All-Big Ten season, Liddell would cement the Buckeyes as one of the top teams in the Big Ten if he chose to return. While he could remain in the Draft, the potential impact of a return to the Buckeyes is extremely evident.
5. G Max Abmas – Oral Roberts
2020-21 Season Stats: 24.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 47.8 FG%, 43.3 3P%, 89 FT%
The nation’s top scorer from a year ago, the impact that Abmas brought to the NCAA Tournament “Cinderella” Oral Roberts last season was evident. While Abmas has certainly impressed, it would benefit the talented guard to return to school to polish his already impressive offensive abilities. If he does as well, is Oral Roberts a candidate to make a deep run in March once again?
4. G Jason Preston – Ohio
2020-21 Season Stats: 15.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 51.4 FG%, 39 3P%, 59.6 FT%
One of the more difficult all-around draft decisions is Preston. After a successful 2020-21 season, combined with impressive showings over the past couple of weeks, the talented guard has emerged as a potential early Second Round pick. While he could remain in the Draft, Preston potentially returning to Ohio would cement the Bobcats as one of the top mid-majors in the nation.