NBA Draft 2021: 10 biggest upcoming draft decisions to watch for
By Matt Melton
3. F Hunter Dickinson – Michigan
2020-21 Season Stats: 14.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 59.8 FG%, 73.9 FT%
Dickinson has the potential to be arguably the most impactful if he returns to Ann Arbor next season. While the 7’1 big man is an intriguing prospect based on his size, Dickinson’s current abilities suit the college game perfectly with the chance to be one of the best interior players in the country. While the NBA is a possibility, returning to Michigan next season seems like the likely move for the 2020-21 Consensus Second-Team All-American.
2. G Julian Champagnie – St. John’s
2020-21 Season Stats: 19.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1 BPG, 43.3 FG%, 37.7 3P%, 88.7 FT%
Champagnie’s decision could honestly go both ways. A talented scorer and rebounder, Champagnie is coming off a First-Team All-Big East season, and his game and shooting ability could mix well in the NBA depending on where he lands. While the NBA is a possibility, a potential return to lead a talented St. John’s team in the Big East is also enticing as well.
1. G Johnny Juzang – UCLA
2020-21 Season Stats: 16 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 44.1 FG%, 35.3 3P%, 87.7 FT%
The potential biggest upcoming Draft decision solely from the college basketball point of view is Juzang. Juzang enjoyed a big breakout 2020-21 season and has certainly impressed going back to the Bruins’ run in March Madness, giving himself a chance to be selected in this year’s Draft. However, a chance to return to UCLA to lead a talented Bruins team that made the Final Four a year ago may be too enticing to pass up.
These upcoming decisions will be something that could significantly alter the 2021-22 college basketball season for a few teams. Looking ahead, is it too crazy to say that the next week of decisions could make or break the 2021-22 season for a few teams?