The NCAA passed a new rule last year that gives any early entries until ten days after the 2017 NBA Draft Combine to announce their intention to return to school, as long as they haven’t already hired an agent. This is a change from previous years in which college players had to decide if they were staying in the draft prior to the combine. Therefore, expect to see a ton of non-seniors “test the waters” only to ultimately return to school.
Here is a list of college basketball players who have already declared for the 2017 NBA Draft or announced they are returning to school.
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UPDATED: 4/22/17
DECLARED
Jarrett Allen, C, Texas, 6-11, Fr.
’16-’17: 13.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 56.6 FG%, 56.4 FT%
Allen is a skilled big man who could end up being drafted in the late lottery.
Ike Anigbogu, PF/C, UCLA, 6-10, Fr.
’16-’17: 4.7 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 56.4 FG%, 53.5 FT%
Potential, potential, potential… that is what will get Anigbogu drafted, likely in the first round, I think he would be better off returning for his sophomore season so he could get more touches but he’s gone.
OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana, 6-8, Soph.
’16-’17: 11.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 55.7 FG%, 56.3 FT%, 31.1 3-PT%
Expected by many to have a breakout sophomore campaign, Anunoby suffered a season-ending injury midway through the year and never fully broke out. Because of his size and athleticism, he should be a first round pick even though he will unlikely to work out full speed for teams prior to the draft.
Dwayne Bacon, SG, Florida State, 6-7, Soph.
’16-’17: 17.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 45.2 FG%, 75.4 FT%, 33.3 3-PT%
I really like Bacon due to his size, strength, and ability to score the ball. He likely goes in the second round since he struggles with his perimeter shooting and doesn’t contribute much else outside of scoring.
Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA, 6-6, Fr.
’16-’17: 14.6 ppg, 7.6 apg, 6 rpg, 55.1 FG%, 67.3 FT%, 41.2 3-PT%
Ball is a unique, special talent and that is why he is being discussed as a possibility for the top overall pick. He makes everyone on the floor better but is certainly capable of getting his own as well.
Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon, 6-8, Jr.
’16-’17: 10.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2,3 bpg, 63.6 FG%, 70.1 FT%
Bell is undersized but makes up for with his incredible athleticism. He should be a second round pick.
Isaiah Briscoe, PG, Kentucky, 6-3, Soph.
’16-’17: 12.1 ppg, 4.2 apg, 5.4 rpg, 47 FG%, 63.5 FT%, 28.8 3-PT%
Briscoe’s game really doesn’t translate to the NBA. He struggles shooting it from deep and while physical, is not a high level athlete. It wouldn’t surprise me if goes undrafted.
Dillon Brooks, SF, Oregon, 6-6, Jr.
’16-’17: 16.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 48.8 FG%, 75.4 FT%, 40.1 3-PT%
Brooks is a physical wing player who can shoot it from deep or muscle opponents off the bounce. He lacks great athleticism which is why he’s likely a second round pick.
John Collins, PF, Wake Forest, 6-10, Soph.
’16-’17: 19.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 62.2 FG%, 74.5 FT%
Collins had a breakout sophomore campaign and can score in a variety of ways. His defensive effort is laughable at times but he could end up being taken in the lottery.
Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga, 6-11, Fr.
’16-’17: 10 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 65.2 FG%, 74.3 FT%
Collins was the Zags’ sixth man and showed enough promise to emerge as a lottery prospect.
Tyler Dorsey, SG, Oregon, 6-4, Soph.
’16-’17: 14.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 46.7 FG%, 75.5 FT%, 42.3 3-PT%
Dorsey is a solid all-around scorer but lacks a true position at the next level which is why he is a second round pick at best.
P.J Dozier, G, South Carolina, 6-6, Soph.
’16-’17: 13.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 40.7 FG%, 59.7 FT%, 29.8 3PT%
Coming off South Carolina’s Final Four run, it makes sense for Dozier to leave school. He has good size and versatility from the guard position but doesn’t shoot it well so he likely ends up in the second round.
Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State, 6-1, Soph.
’16-’17: 19.2 ppg, 6.4 apg, 43.8 FG%, 81.2 FT%, 37.9 3-PT%
A breakout sophomore campaign allowed Evans to emerge as a potential first round pick. His lack of ideal size could be the one thing that hurts his stock.
De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky, 6-3, Fr.
’16-’17: 16.7 ppg, 4.6 apg, 4 rpg, 47.9 FG%, 73.6 FT%, 24.6 3-PT%
Due to his size, athleticism, and ability to get to the rim, Fox is one of the headliners in a point guard heavy draft class. His outside shooting needs a lot of work but Fox is a top ten pick who could end up being taken in the top five.
Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington, 6-4, Fr.
’16-’17: 23.2 ppg, 5.9 apg, 5.7 rpg, 47.6 FG%, 64.9 FT%, 41.3 3-PT%
Fultz put up gaudy numbers on a really bad Husky team and will be in the conversation as one of the top picks in the 2017 Draft.
Harry Giles, PF, Duke, 6-10, Fr.
’16-’17: 3.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 57.7 FG%, 50 FT%
Perhaps the most disappointing player in college basketball this past season, injuries derailed Giles’ freshman campaign and he was never able to recover. He has an injury history that will make teams take a hard look at him before the draft. His range could be anywhere from late lottery to late first round.
Isaac Humphries, C, Kentucky, 7-0, Soph.
’16-’17: 2.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 51.1 FG%, 60 FT%
The Aussie will likely end up playing professionally overseas.
Jonathan Isaac, PF, Florida State, 6-10, Fr.
’16-’17: 12 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 50.8 FG%, 78 FT%, 34.8 3-PT%
Due to his length, athleticism, and versatility, Isaac is a lottery prospect. He needs to fill out physically but has as much potential as any player in the draft.
Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas, 6-8, Jr.
’16-’17: 16.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 51.3 FG%, 56.6 FT%, 37.8 3-PT%
Jackson will be one of the first names called on draft night. He is an explosive scorer from all over the floor and has superstar potential.
Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina, 6-8, Jr.
’16-’17: 18.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 44.3 FG%, 74.8 FT%, 37 3-PT%
After seeing his stock drop during his sophomore season, Jackson proved why is he a first round pick during UNC’s run to the National Title. He could go anywhere from the mid-teens to twenties.
Marcus Keene, PG, Central Michigan, 5-9, Jr.
’16-’17: 30 ppg, 4.9 apg, 4.5 rpg, 44.7 FG%, 81.9 FT%, 36.8 3-PT%
Despite leading all of Division One in scoring, Keene’s lack of size limits his potential for the next level.
Luke Kennard, SG, Duke, 6-6, Soph.
’16-’17: 19.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 48.9 FG%, 85.6 FT%, 43.8 3-PT%
Kennard blew up this past season to the point where he should be a first round pick so it makes sense for him to strike while the iron is hot.
T.J. Leaf, PF, UCLA, 6-10, Fr.
’16-’17: 16.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.7 FG%, 67.9 FT%, 46.6 3-PT%
With all the attention Lonzo Ball received at UCLA this season, Leaf quietly led the team in scoring and was one of the most efficient scorers in college basketball. Due to his inside/outside game, he could sneak into the late lottery.
Tyler Lydon, PF, Syracuse, 6-9, Soph.
’16-’17: 13.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 47.3 FG%, 83.6 FT%, 39.5 3-PT%
Lydon is an inside/outside threat who can stretch defenses with his outside shooting but is also explosive at the rim. He should end up in the late first round.
Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona, 7-0, Fr.
’16-’17: 15.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 49.2 FG%, 83.5 FT%, 42.3 3-PT%
Extremely skilled on the offensive end for a young player his size, Markkanen has drawn comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki. He should be a top ten pick.
Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky, 6-4, Fr.
’16-’17: 19.8 ppg, 45 FG%, 82.2 FT%, 39.7 3-PT%
Monk was one of the most electrifying scorers in college basketball and will be a top ten pick.
Justin Patton, C, Creighton, 7-0, Fr.
’16-’17: 12.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 67.6 FG%, 51.7 FT%
After redshirting last season, Patton came from out of nowhere to show a ton of promise thanks to his size, length, and athleticism. He is still raw and plenty of developing to do with his all-around game but could end up sneaking into the late lottery.
L.J. Peak, SG, Georgetown, 6-5, Jr.
’16-’17: 16.3 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.8 rpg, 48.1 FG%, 79.6 FT%, 32.7 3-PT%
Peak is a physical, athletic guard but struggles shooting it from deep. He is a borderline second round pick.
Ivan Rabb, PF, California, 6-11, Soph.
’16-’17: 14 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 1 bpg, 48.4 FG%, 66.3 FT%
Rabb could have been a lottery pick a year ago but instead chose to return to school. Unfortunately, he did not emerge as much as anticipated but should still be a top 20 pick.
Xavier Rathan-Mayes, PG, Florida State, 6-4, Jr.
’16-’17: 10.6 ppg, 4.8 apg, 45.3 FG%, 53 FT%, 32.3 3-PT%
XR-M is more of a combo guard than true point guard and could end up going undrafted.
Devin Robinson, SF, Florida, 6-8, Soph.
’16-’17: 11.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 47.5 FG%, 72.3 FT%, 39.1 3-PT%
Robinson looks the part due to his size and athleticism but never truly broke out at Florida. He figures to be selected in the second round.
Kobi Simmons, PG, Arizona, 6-5, Fr.
’16-’17: 8.7 ppg, 2 apg, 39.5 FG%, 77.5 FT%, 32.7 3-PT%
Though talented, Simmons had a disappointing freshman campaign at ‘Zona. I hope he enjoys playing in the D-League because that is where he is likely to end up as a probably second round pick.
Dennis Smith Jr., PG, N.C. State, 6-3, Fr.
’16-’17: 18.1 ppg, 6.2 apg, 4.6 rpg, 45.5 FG%, 71.5 FT%, 35.9 3-PT%
Smith Jr. is a do-it-all point guard who has a chance to be special at the next level. He will be a top ten pick.
Edmund Sumner, PG, Xavier, 6-6, Soph.
’16-’17: 15 ppg, 5 apg, 4.3 rpg, 47.9 FG%, 73.5 FT%, 27.3 3-PT%
Despite suffering a season-ending torn ACL in January, Sumer is still heading to the league. That will certainly affect his draft stock which does make his decision to turn pro a bit surprising. He has good size and length for a point guard but is not an efficient outside shooter. He likely ends up in the second round.
Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke, 6-8, Fr.
’16-’17: 16.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 45.2 FG%, 84.9 FT%, 34.2 3-PT%
After a shaky start to his freshman season due to injury, Tatum came on strong as the season progressed and proved why he is a top ten pick.
Trevor Thompson, C, Ohio State, 7-0, Jr.
’16-’17: 10.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 57.1 FG%, 72 FT%
Thompson is graduating so I can understand why he’d be ready to pursue a pro career. Because of his size, some team could take a second round chance on him.
Melo Trimble, PG, Maryland, 6-3, Jr.
’16-’17: 16.8 ppg, 3.7 apg, 43.6 FG%, 78.9 FT%, 31.7 3-PT%
Hindsight is 20/20 but Trimble would have been better off leaving the Terps after his freshman season since he would have likely been a first round pick. He regressed during his sophomore season and didn’t do enough as a junior to be a first round pick.
Nigel Williams-Goss, PG, Gonzaga, 6-3, Jr.
’16-’17: 16.8 ppg, 4.7 apg, 6 rpg, 48.6 FG%, 86.7 FT%, 36.8 3-PT%
His stock isn’t going to get higher as Williams-Goss is who he is at this point of his career. He is a solid floor general but a second round prospect.
DECLARED BUT HASN’T HIRED AN AGENT
Shaqquan Aaron, SF, USC, 6-7, Soph.
’16-’17: 7.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 39.2 FG%, 72 FT%, 33.6 3PT%
Aaron is crazy athletic but his all-around game is nowhere near ready for the next level. It would be a mistake for him to remain in the draft.
Jaylen Adams, PG, St. Bonaventure, 6-2, Jr.
’16-’17: 20.6 ppg, 6.5 apg, 41.9 FG%, 82.1 FT%, 35.6 3-PT%
Adams put up big numbers for the Bonnies but is a volume shooter who likely wouldn’t get drafted.
Bam Adebayo, PF, Kentucky, 6-10, Fr.
’16-’17: 13 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 59.9 FG%, 65.3 FT%
Adebayo is a physically imposing big man but needs to define his offensive game. Since he could end up being a late lottery pick, expect him to stay in the draft.
Deng Adel, SF, Louisville, 6-7, Soph.
’16-’17: 12.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 42.2 FG%, 77.1 FT%, 34.6 3PT%
Adel has good size and athleticism but his all-around game needs developing and he would maybe be a second round pick.
Rawle Alkins, G/F, Arizona, 6-5, Fr.
’16-’17: 10.9 ppg, 4.9 apg, 46.3 FG%, 73.3 FT%, 37 3PT%
Alkins would benefit from going back to school and playing a larger role for the Wildcats next season.
James Blackmon, SG, Indiana, 6-4, Jr.
’16-’17: 17 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 47.7 FG%, 83.7 FT%, 42.3 3PT%
An undersized two guard who can score and that’s about it, Blackmon is not going to get drafted if he stays in the draft.
Antonio Blakeney, SG, LSU, 6-4, Soph.
’16-’17: 17.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 72.4 FT%, 35.8 3PT%
Blakeney is a volume scorer but doesn’t have much draft stock at this point. He could go undrafted.
Trevon Bluiett, G/F, Xavier, 6-6, Jr.
’16-’17: 18.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 43.8 FG%, 75.4 FT%, 37.1 3PT%
Bluiett tested the waters a year ago and ended up returning to Xavier. He is a skilled scorer from the perimeter but is lacks the ideal athleticism for the next level. At this point, he’s a borderline draft pick once again.
Bennie Boatwright, F, USC, 6-10, Soph.
’16-’17: 15.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 42.8 FG%, 90.7 FT%, 36.4 3PT%
Due to his size and versatility, Boatwright has first round potential. He should return to school though if he doesn’t get a first round guarantee.
Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina, 6-10, Fr.
’16-’17: 7.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 57.3 FG%, 61.9 FT%
Bradley has first round potential but didn’t play a star role on UNC’s championship team. He would blossom as a sophomore in Chapel Hill which would help his stock.
Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana, 6-10, Soph.
’16-’17: 12.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 51.9 FG%, 73 FT%, 38.3 3PT%
Bryant has a nice inside/outside game on the offensive end but lacks the mobility to effective big at the next level. I think he’s a second round pick if he does end up coming out.
Rodney Bullock, F, Providence, 6-8, Jr.
’16-’17: 15.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 43.6 FG%, 74.8 FT%, 31.7 3PT%
Bullock won’t be a first rounder so he would be making a mistake by staying in the draft.
Chance Comanche, C, Arizona, 6-11, Soph.
’16-’17: 6.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 57.1 FG%, 73 FT%
Comanche has no draft value at this point and will be back in Tucson next year.
Angel Delgado, PF, Seton Hall, 6-10, Jr.
’16-’17: 15.2 ppg, 13.1 rpg, 54.3 FG%, 55.6 FT%
A double-double machine, I think Delgado could develop into a role player at the nexl level due to his physicality inside.
Vince Edwards, SF, Purdue, 6-8, Jr.
’16-’17: 12.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 48.6 FG%, 82 FT%, 42.3 3-PT%
Edwards tested the waters last summer and like he did a year ago, expect him to be back at Purdue next year.
Jon Elmore, PG, Marshall, 6-3, Jr.
’16-’17: 19.7 ppg, 5.9 apg, 4.3 rpg, 41.3 FG%, 80.7 FT%, 35.2 3-PT%
Elmore is intriguing due to his size and versatility but likely goes undrafted.
Drew Eubanks, C, Oregon State, 6-10, Soph.
’16-’17: 14.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 58.7 FG%, 71.2 FT%
Expect Eubanks to be back with the Beavers next season since he doesn’t have any real draft stock at this point.
Tacko Fall, C, UCF, 7-6, Soph.
’16-’17: 10.9 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 71.5 FG%, 46.2 FT%
Based on his size and ability to alter shots at the rim, Fall is an intriguing prospect. His offensive game is pretty much non-existent but there aren’t many players like him.
Isaac Haas, C, Purdue, 7-2, Jr.
’16-’17: 12.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 58.7 FG%, 71.1 FT%
Haas is a huge body inside but lacks the ideal mobility for the next level. He is expected to return for his senior year.
Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA, 6-1, Soph.
’16-’17: 12.3 ppg, 4.4 apg, 48.5 FG%, 79.3 FT%, 41.1 3-PT%
One of the top sixth men in the country, Holiday would be better off returning to UCLA and playing a much larger role next season versus staying in the draft.
B.J. Johnson, SF, LaSalle, 6-7, Jr.
’16-’17: 17.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 44.0 FG%, 83.8 FT%, 36.2 3PT%
Johnson doesn’t have much draft worth at this point and is likely just testing the waters.
Jaylen Johnson, PF, Louisville, 6-9, Jr.
’16-’17: 8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 58.9 FG%, 62.5 FT%
There is no real threat of Johnson leaving Louisville early as he is just testing the waters.
Robert Johnson, G, Indiana, 6-3, Jr.
’16-’17: 12.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 44.9 FG%, 75.5 FT%, 37 3PT%
Bahahahahahaha
Andrew Jones, PG, Texas, 6-4, Soph.
’16-’17: 11.4 ppg, 3.5 apg, 42.5 FG%, 77.5 FT%, 32.8 3-PT%
With good size and athleticism for the next level, Jones would be a borderline first round pick. He is not a great outside shooter and didn’t overly wow anyone during his sophomore season so might be help his cause by returning for his junior year.
Braxton Key, F, Alabama, 6-8, Fr.
’16-’17: 12 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 43.3 FG%, 63.4 FT%, 33 3PT%
Let’s pump the breaks here, Braxton. Go back to school.
Kyle Kuzma, PF, Utah, 6-9, Jr.
’16-’17: 16.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 50.4 FG%, 66.9 FT%, 32.1 3PT%
Kuzma is an undersized four man who is a less than average athlete and shooter for the NBA level. Expect him to return to the Utes next year.
William Lee, PF, UAB, 6-9, Jr.
’16-’17: 13.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.4 bpg, 49.3 FG%, 77.5 FT%, 37.6 3PT%
Lee is an athletic and versatile frontcourt player but a second round prospect at best.
Yante Maten, PF, Georgia, 6-8, Jr.
’16-’17: 18.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 51.9 FG%, 71.6 FT%, 48.8 3PT%
Maten had a breakout junior campaign but is an undersized four man who is likely just testing the waters.
Eric Mika, C, BYU, 6-10, Soph.
’16-’17: 20.3 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 52.8 FG%, 76.3 FT%
Despite just finishing his sophomore season, Mika is 22 years old since he took a two year Mormon mission. He lacks the athleticism to make it in the NBA though.
Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville, 6-3, Soph.
’16-’17: 15.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.7 apg, 40.8 FG%, 80.6 FT%, 35.4 3-PT%
Mitchell is an explosive combo guard who is best served playing off the ball but lacks the ideal size for an NBA two guard. Still, he should be a first round pick.
Johnathan Motley, PF, Baylor, 6-10, Jr.
’16-’17: 17.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 52.1 FG%, 69.9 FT%
Motley put together an All-American season and due to his size and athleticism, is a likely first round pick.
Svi Mykhailuk, SF, Kansas, 6-8, Jr.
’16-’17: 9.8 ppg, 3 rpg, 44.3 FG%, 70.2 FT%, 39.8 3-PT%
Due to the talent around him the past three years, Mykhailuk has not been given a major role at KU. Returning for his senior season should allow him to showcase his skills more and would help his draft stock for next year.
Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU, 6-7, Soph.
’16-’17: 19 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 48.7 FG%, 78.5 FT%, 42.4%
The Duke transfer blew up in his first season at SMU. He is an intriguing prospect because he has the size, strength, athleticism, and ability to play either forward spot as he could be a small ball 4-man. He should be a first rounder if he stays in the draft.
Cameron Oliver, PF, Nevada, 6-8, Jr.
’16-’17: 16 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 46.5 FG%, 69.2 FT%, 38.4 3-PT%
Due to his inside/outside ability, Oliver has first round potential. He is an undersized four man though so I’d expect him to be a second rounder if he stays in the draft.
Maverick Rowan, SF, N.C. State, 6-7, Soph.
’16-’17: 12 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 42.9 FG%, 85 FT%, 36.1 3-PT%
No chance he stays in the draft.
Corey Sanders, PG, Rutgers, 6-2, Soph.
’16-’17: 12.8 ppg, 3.2 apg, 38.2 FG%, 61.3 FT%, 26.6 3-PT%
Unless he wants to play overseas or in the D-League, Sanders should return to Rutgers.
Zach Smith, PF, Texas Tech, 6-8, Jr.
’16-’17: 12.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 50.7 FG%, 65.7 FT%, 39.5 3-PT%
Smith lacks a true position at the next level and would likely go undrafted.
Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue, 6-9, Soph.
’16-’17: 18.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 52.7 FG%, 78.1 FT%, 44.7 3-PT%
A double-double machine, Swanigan would be silly to return to Purdue. He is a first round lock and should carve out a nice niche at the next level.
Stephen Thompson Jr., SG, Oregon State, 6-4, Jr.
’16-’17: 16.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 39.7 FG%, 63.4 FT%, 34.1 3-PT%
He is merely testing the waters.
Moritz Wagner, PF/C, Michigan, 6-11, Soph.
’16-’17: 12.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 56 FG%, 72.6 FT%, 39.5 3-PT%
The German made huge strides during his sophomore season but could still benefit from returning to school.
Thomas Welsh, C, UCLA, 7-0, Jr.
’16-’17: 10.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 58.5 FG%, 89.4 FT%
The king of the mid-range, Welsh lacks the ideal athleticism or physicality inside to be a first round pick so he should return for his senior season.
Thomas Wilder, G, Western Michigan, 6-3, Jr.
’16-’17: 19.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.8 apg, 45.8 FG%, 83.2 FT%, 44.4 3-PT%
Despite posting solid all-around numbers, Wilder is not really on draft radars. I would expect him to be back in school for his senior year.
D.J. Wilson, PF, Michigan, 6-10, Soph.
’16-’17: 11 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 53.8 FG%, 83.3 FT%, 37.3 3-PT%
Despite showing flashes of his versatility and skill, Wilson would be smart to return to school and continue to develop his game which should help his cause for being a first round pick next year.
Omer Yurtseven, PF/C, N.C. State, 7-0, Fr.
’16-’17: 5.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 45.7 FG%, 71.9 FT%, 44.7 3-PT%
The native of Turkey is nowhere near NBA ready but because of his size and potential could get a first round flyer.
RETURNING TO SCHOOL
Jalen Adams, PG, UConn, 6-3, Soph.
’16-’17: 14.4 ppg, 6.1 apg, 43.1 FG%, 82.8 FT%, 34.1 3PT%
Adams has potential to play at the next level but likely wasn’t going to be a first round.
Grayson Allen, SG, Duke, 6-5, Jr.
’16-’17: 14.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 39.5 FG%, 81.1 FT%, 36.5 3-PT%
Partially due to some character concerns and partially due to a lackluster junior season, Allen’s stock fell this past season and was likely going to be drafted in the second round so it makes sense for him to return to Duke and try and revive his draft standing.
Marques Bolden, C, Duke, 6-11, Fr.
’16-’17: 1.5 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 45.7 FG%, 62.5 FT%
One of the top prospects in the 2016 class, Bolden’s freshmen season never took off due to an injury he suffered prior to the start of the season. Based on potential alone, he could have been a first round pick but should greatly benefit by being healthy and showcasing his game in a bigger role next season.
Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State, 6-7, Fr.
’16-’17: 16.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 48.6 FG%, 68.5 FT%, 38.9 3PT%
This is the most surprising announcement of someone returning to school since Bridges was a borderline lottery pick.
Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova, 6-3, Soph.
’16-’17: 14.7 ppg, 4.1 apg, 54.1 FG%, 87.6 FT%, 37.8 3PT%
This is the right decision for Brunson since he is not a first round pick at this point.
Marcus Foster, SG, Creighton, 6-3, Jr.
’16-’17: 18.2 ppg, 2.4 apg, 46.1 FG%, 70.1 FT%, 34.1 3PT%
Foster was teetering on the second round-undrafted area so this makes sense.
Devonte’ Graham, PG, Kansas, 6-3, Jr.
’16-’17: 13.4 ppg, 4.1 apg, 42.8 FG%, 79.3 FT%, 38.8 3PT%
Graham likely would have been a second round. With Frank Mason graduating, Graham should take over as the full-time point guard which could help his stock for the 2018 draft.
Chimezie Metu, C, USC, 6-11, Soph.
’16-’17: 14.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 55.2 FG%, 74.1 FT%
Metu looks the part due to his length and athleticism inside. Returning for his junior season should help his game develop even more and solidify his status a first round pick next year.
Shake Milton, PG, SMU, 6-6, Soph.
’16-’17: 13 ppg, 4.5 apg, 4.1 rpg, 43.7 FG%, 75.8 FT%, 42.3 3PT%
Milton is an intriguing prospect due to his size and versatility at the guard position but there was no guarantee of him being a first round pick.
Allonzo Trier, PG, Arizona, 6-5, Soph.
’16-’17: 17.2 ppg, 5.3 apg, 46 FG%, 81 FT%, 39.1 3PT%
Trier missed the first part of the season for Zona and likely would have been a second round pick.
Robert Williams, PF, Texas A&M, 6-9, Fr.
’16-’17: 11.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.5 bpg, 55.8 FG%, 59 FT%
Williams came out of nowhere to emerge as a potential lottery prospect but decided to return to College Station for his sophomore season. He is already a beast on the glass and terrific shot-blocker. If he can develop his all-around offensive game, he has top ten potential for the 2018 Draft.
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities. David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu to Milwaukee. He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft and the most accurate 2012 NBA Mock Draft on the internet , AND the second most accurate 2013 NBA Mock Draft. (Yup, nearly 3peat champ… #humblebrag.)
You can follow him on Twitter at David_Kmiecik.
