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2016 NBA Draft Early Entries
April 28, 2016.
Tony Anderson, F, Southeast Missouri State, 6-9, Fr.
’15-’16: 5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 35 FG%, 74.5 FT%
LOL
Wade Baldwin, PG, Vanderbilt, 6-3, Soph.
’15-’16: 14.1 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4 rpg, 42.7 FG%, 79.9 FT%, 40.6 3-PT%
I am not as high on Baldwin as others, who think he could be as high as a late lottery pick, are. There is enough buzz around his name though to make his decision to turn pro reasonable.
Anthony Barber, PG, N.C. State, 6-2, Jr.
’15-’16: 23.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, 4.6 rpg, 43.4 FG%, 86.5 FT%, 36.1 3-PT%
A big-time scorer and former McDonald’s All-American, Barber gained some buzz this year after a somewhat disappointing first two years with the Wolfpack. He could maybe sneak into the first round, but is more than likely a second-rounder.
Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State, 6-5, Fr.
’15-’16: 15.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 47.1 FG%, 81.3 FT%, 38.7 3-PT%
I really like Beasley and think he has lottery potential. If he works out well, he should shoot up draft boards due to his length, athleticism and ability to score the rock.
DeAndre Bembry, SF, St. Joseph’s, 6-6, Jr.
’15-’16: 17.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 47.9 FG%, 65.7 FT%, 26.6 3-PT%
Bembry turns 22 years old this summer and is coming off a terrific year with the Hawks, so it makes sense for him to leave early even though he is a likely second-round pick.
Jaylen Brown, SF, California, 6-7, Fr.
’15-’16: 14.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 43.1 FG%, 65.4 FT%, 29.4 3-PT%
Brown certainly looks the part for the NBA with his physicality and aggressiveness attacking the tin. His outside shooting needs to improve, but he is a lottery lock.
Kareem Canty, PG, Auburn, 6-1, Jr.
’15-’16: 18.3 ppg, 5.3 apg, 40.1 FG%, 74.1 FT%, 36.1 3-PT%
Canty left Auburn before the season ended to begin preparing for a pro career. He could sneak into the second round, but is likely headed overseas or to the D-League.
Robert Carter, PF, Maryland, 6-9, Jr.
’15-’16: 3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 56.9 FG%, 55.6 FT%
Since Carter is a redshirt junior and on pace to graduate, there is not a huge reason to return to school, which is why he is reportedly hiring an agent. He would probably be the go-to guy at Maryland next season through, which could help some.
Marquese Chriss, SF, Washington, 6-9, Fr.
’15-’16: 13.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 53 FG%, 68.2 FT%, 35 3-PT%
Based on his size, skill, and otential, Chriss will be a first-round pick. He could end up being selected in the lottery by a team willing to wait for him to develop, which may take another year or two since he is not exactly NBA-ready.
Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State, 6-10, Fr.
’15-’16: 7.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 59.7 FG%, 60.5 FT%
With his size and length, Davis looks the part of a prototypical NBA power forward. He is still developing and probably doesn’t make a huge impact right away but based on potential; he is a lottery pick.
Kris Dunn, PG, Providence, 6-4, Jr.
’15-’16: 16.4 ppg, 6.2 apg, 5.3 rpg, 2.5 spg, 44.8 FG%, 69.5 FT%, 37.2 3-PT%
This was a no-brainer for Dunn, who has worked himself into a top-10 pick. He should be the first point guard selected on draft night.
Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette, 6-10, Fr.
’15-’16: 17 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 44.6 FG%, 74.9 FT%, 28.8 3-PT%
An extremely skilled and versatile threat on the offensive end, Ellenson is projected lottery pick so this was a pretty easy decision.
Brannen Greene, SG, Kansas, 6-6, Jr.
’15-’16: 5.4 ppg, 52.4 FG%, 84 FT%, 49.2 3-PT%
Greene seemed to be in and out of Bill Self’s doghouse all season long, but is nowhere nearing being an NBA Draft prospect.
Daniel Hamilton, SF, Connecticut, 6-7, Soph.
’15-’16: 12.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 4.7 apg, 38.7 FG%, 86 FT%, 33.1 3-PT%
Due to his versatility and ability to handle the ball, Hamilton has a chance to be a first round pick. His struggles shooting it from the outside are his biggest downfall.
Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke, 6-9, Fr.
’15-’16: 17.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 44.2 FG%, 68.2 FT%, 41-PT%
Due to his all-around abilities on both ends of the floor, Ingram will hear his name announced very early on draft night, which makes his decision to turn pro a no-brainer.
Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame, 6-1, Jr.
’15-’16: 15.8 ppg, 4.7 apg, 45.1 FG%, 81.3 FT%, 33.1 3-PT%
Jackson is a first-round pick, and some say he is a lottery lock, but I think that’s being too generous. It helps him that this is a weaker crop of point guard prospects.
Stefan Jankovic, PF, Hawaii, 6-10, Jr.
’15-’16: 15.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 54.3 FG%, 77.2 FT%, 39.3 3-PT%
Having transferred after his freshman season at Missouri, Jankovic is on pace to graduate, so turning pro makes sense especially coming off Hawaii’s tournament win over Callifornia, where he gained some buzz. His ability as a stretch four could find him a spot in a second round.
Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt, 6-11, Jr.
’15-’16: 13.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 59.5 FG%, 55.3 FT%
Jones is a skilled big with good size, but he lacks the aggressiveness on the glass that you would expect from someone his size. He is a likely first-round pick, but could slip into the early second round.
Derrick Jones, SF, UNLV, 6-7, Fr.
’15-’16: 11.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 58.9 FG%, 20.5 FT%, 59 4-PT%
After being declared ineligible by the NCAA 30 games into this past season due to a canceled ACT score, Jones is an interesting situation. He is a crazy athlete, but doesn’t shoot it well at all. Jones looks the part but has a long way to go with his development. Some team might take a second-round flyer on him.
Thon Maker, C, Australia, 7-0, 1997.
’15-’16: n/a
Maker is an intriguing prospect due to his size and athletic ability, but he is without certain a project big man. His draft stock could be anywhere due to that uncertainty. He was originally going to college next year but was allowed to enter the draft due to his high school graduation year.
Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV, 6-7, Soph.
’15-’16: 14.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.9 apg, 46.5 FG%, 77.4 FT%, 36.6 3-PT%
This is an interesting decision. McCaw has first-round potential, but is by no means a first-round lock. Testing the waters first would have been a safer decision.
Lee Moore, SG, UTEP, 6-4, Soph.
’15-’16: 15.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.5 apg, 45.2 FG%, 74.2 FT%, 36.8 3-PT%
Moore has no real draft buzz, so hopefully he is okay with playing in the D-League or overseas.
Dejounte Murray, G, Washington, 6-5, Fr.
’15-’16: 16.1 ppg, 4.4 apg, 6 rpg, 41.6 FG%, 61.3 FT%, 28.8 3-PT%
Murray’s versatility was on display for the Huskies this past season as he put together a terrific freshman campaign. With his size and ability for a combo guard, the first round appears to be in his future. Just how high he goes will depend on his workouts.
Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky, 6-5, Fr.
’15-’16: 20 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 45.4 FG%, 78.3 FT%, 40.8 3-PT%
The Canadian is a big-time scorer and top-10 prospect.
Chris Obekpa, C, UNLV, 6-10, Jr.
’14-’15: 5.8 ppg, 7 rpg, 3.1 bpg, 46.2 FG%, 51.9 FT%
The St. John’s transfer sat out this past season and was slated to finish his collegiate career next year at UNLV, but the coaching mess in Sin City likely accelerated his pro path. It is unlikely he gets drafted though.
Tim Quarterman, G, LSU, 6-6, Jr.
’15-’16: 11.2 ppg, 3.6 apg, 4.6 rpg, 41.5 FG%, 63.2 FT%, 34.3 3-PT%
With his length and versatility, Quarterman is an intriguing prospect. He didn’t do much this past season to secure his status as a first-round pick, which makes his decision to hire an agent a questionable one.
Jalen Reynolds, PF, Xavier, 6-9, Fr.
’15-’16: 9.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 52.3 FG%, 65.4 FT%
I’m not sure what Reynolds’ hurry is to go pro. He is a borderline second-round pick and would have been better served returning to school to try to improve his all-around offensive game, which would have helped his stock for next year.
Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonzaga, 6-10, Soph.
’15-’16: 17.6 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 61.1 FG%, 76.9 FT%
Sabonis brings a coveted combination of size, physicality and skill to the floor. He is a terrific rebounder and should be a lottery pick.
Wayne Selden, SG, Kansas, 6-5, Jr.
’15-’16: 13.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 47.4 FG%, 61.2 FT%, 39.2 3-PT%
Selden is hoping to capitalize off a solid junior year in which he found some consistency to his game, which had been missing his sophomore season. He projects as a borderline first-round pick, but now is the time for him to declare.
Ben Simmons, SF, LSU, 6-10, Fr.
’15-’16: 19.2 ppg, 4.8 apg, 11.8 rpg, 2 spg, 56 FG%, 67 FT%, 33.3 3-PT%
Obviously.
Diamond Stone, C, Maryland, 6-11, Fr.
’15-’16: 12.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 56.8 FG%, 76.1 FT%
A skilled big man on the offensive, Stone is likely to stay in the 2016 NBA Draft since he projects as a mid-first-round pick.
Isaiah Taylor, PG, Texas, 6-1, Jr.
’15-’16: 15 ppg, 5 apg, 42 FG%, 81.1 FT%, 31.1 3-PT%
Taylor has been on draft radars for the past couple of years but hasn’t done enough to solidify being a first round pick or even enough to get drafted.
Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky, 5-9, Soph.
’15-’16: 17.3 ppg, 7 apg, 43.4 FG%, 85.6 FT%, 34.4 3-PT%
If Ulis stood 6-1, he would be a lottery pick. Unfortunately, his shortcomings scare some people away. I think he showed enough this past season to prove worthy of being a first-round pick since he was one of the best point guards in the country, and he knows how to not let his height deter him from being a successful floor leader.
James Webb III, F, Boise State, 6-8, Jr.
’15-’16: 15.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 49.4 FG%, 68.4 FT%, 24.8 3-PT%
An athletic combo forward who doesn’t shoot it especially well from the outside, Webb is a borderline second-round pick.
Devin Williams, PF, West Virginia, 6-9, Jr.
’15-’16: 13.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 46.7 FG%, 69.3 FT%
This is a head scratcher. Williams is nowhere near a first-round lock and could even go undrafted, which makes his decision to hire an agent and not even test the waters a bit baffling.
Stephen Zimmerman, C, UNLV, 7-0, Fr.
’15-’16: 10.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2 bpg, 47.7 FG%, 62.4 FT%, 29.4 3-PT%
The coaching change at UNLV likely accelerated his path to the NBA but either way, Zimmerman was probably heading to the league. He is a skilled 7-footer, but a lack of physicality will be a concern at the next level. Zimmerman should still be a first-round pick.
Entered Draft but Haven’t Hired Agent
Abdul-Malik Abul, PF, N.C. State, 6-9, Soph.
’15-’16: 12.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 49 FG%, 63 FT%
An undersized power forward, Abul would be making a mistake if he stayed in the 2016 NBA Draft. He is hopefully just testing the waters.
Rosco Allen, F, Stanford, 6-9, Jr.
’15-’16: 15.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 42.4 FG%, 73.8 FT%, 33.7 3-PT%
Allen isn’t going to get drafted and should return to Stanford for his senior season.
BeeJay Anya, C, N.C. State, 6-9, Jr.
’15-’16: 4.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 57.5 FG%, 43 FT%
Not getting drafted. Going to end up back at N.C. State.
V.J. Beachem, SF, Notre Dame, 6-8, Jr.
’15-’16: 12 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 45.2 FG%, 53.8 FT%, 43.2 3-PT%
Beachem can stroke it from deep, but his game is not well-rounded enough at this point to stay in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Ben Bentil, PF, Providence, 6-9, Soph.
’15-’16: 21.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 46.2 FG%, 78.2 FT%, 32.9 3-PT%
One of college basketball’s most improved players, Bentil wasn’t on anyone’s draft radar heading into the season. His combination of physicality inside and ability to knock down perimeter jumpers will be attractive at the next level. He is a tad bit undersized (6-9 is probably generous for his height), but he should be a first-round pick.
Antonio Blakeney, SG, LSU, 6-4, Fr.
’15-’16: 12.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 42.5 FG%, 74.8 FT%, 33.5 3-PT%
Though he has first-round potential, Blakeney did not fully display it this past season. He would be better off returning for his sophomore year since he’d likely be the Tigers’ go-to scorer.
Jaron Blossomgame, SF, Clemson, 6-7, Jr.
’15-’16: 18.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 51.3 FG%, 78.2 FT%, 44.6 3-PT%
With good size and all-around skill set for the next level, Blossomgame is an intriguing prospect. He will not hire an agent, thus keeping the door open for a potential return to Clemson for his senior season, which is a smart decision since he is likely a borderline first-round pick.
Trevon Bluiett, SF, Xavier, 6-6, Soph.
’15-’16: 15.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 42.4 FG%, 77 FT%, 39.8 3-PT%
Bluiett has a terrific jump shot. But since he is an undersized small forward, I think he needs to show more offensive versatility before making the leap to the NBA.
Amida Brimah, C, Connecticut, 7-0, Jr.
’15-’16: 6.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 66.3 FG%, 82.4 FT%
Very raw offensively, Brimah makes his presence known as a rim protector. Some team might take a second-round flyer on him, but more than likely, the 7-footer heads back to Storrs for his senior season.
James Blackmon Jr., SG, Indiana, 6-4, Soph.
’15-’16: 15.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 48 FG%, 85.2 FT%, 46.3 3-PT%
Blackmon was sidelined for a good chunk of last season due to injury, which hurts his stock. He is a scorer at this point, but that’s about it. He’s better off returning to school and being the go-to option for Indiana.
Isaiah Briscoe, G, Kentucky, 6-3, Fr.
’15-’16: 9.6 ppg, 3.1 apg, 5.3 rpg, 43.9 FG%, 46 FT%, 13.5 3-PT%
Briscoe was overshadowed in the Kentucky backcourt by Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray, which didn’t allow him to flourish and thus hurts his stock. Briscoe’s struggles shooting the ball from the outside are a major concern, and he didn’t do anything to cement his status as a first-rounder.
Dillon Brooks, SF, Oregon, 6-6, Soph.
’15-’16: 16.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 47 FG%, 80.6 FT%, 33.8 3-PT%
Brooks is a physical wing who can power people at the rim and also shoots it decently from outside. He is not a first-round pick though so expect him to be back in Eugene next season.
Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas, 6-9, Fr.
’15-’16: 3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 56.9 FG%, 55.6 FT%
One of the top recruits in the 2015 class and MVP of last year’s McDonald’s All-American game, Diallo struggled to find consistent minutes in the Jayhawks’ frontcourt rotation. He has a relentless motor but is still a project. Based on his potential, he could still be a first-round pick, but he would be better served returning for his sophomore year and improving his stock.
Tyler Dorsey, PG, Oregon, 6-4, Fr.
’15-’16: 13.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2 apg, 44.1 FG%, 71.2 FT%, 40.6 3-PT%
Dorsey is more of a combo guard, but needs to become a better distributor before heading to the league.
Vince Edwards, SF, Purdue, 6-7, Soph.
’15-’16: 11.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 45 FG%, 82 FT%, 40.7 3-PT%
It would be a mistake for Edwards to stay in the 2016 NBA Draft since he would likely go undrafted.
Kay Felder, PG, Oakland, 5-9, Jr.
’15-’16: 24.4 ppg, 9.3 apg, 44 FG%, 84.8 FT%, 35.5 3-PT%
Felder put up some monster numbers as a junior, but his size is certainly a concern. He could end up being a second-round pick though his professional future is likely overseas. Felder is who he is at this point and could stay in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Josh Hart, SG, Villanova, 6-5, Jr.
’15-’16: 15.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 51.3 FG%, 75.2 FT%, 35.7 3-PT%
After winning a National Title, it makes sense for Hart to test the waters. Since he is likely a second-round pick, expect him to return to Villanova for his senior season.
Josh Hawkinson, PF, Washington State, 6-10, Jr.
’15-’16: 15.4 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 54.3 FG%, 77.8 FT%, 38.5 3-PT%
With the good size and the ability to stretch defenses on the perimeter, Hawkinson could get second-round looks, but would be wise to play his senior season.
Nigel Hayes, F, Wisconsin, 6-8, Jr.
’15-’16: 15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 36.8 FG%, 73.6 FT%, 29.3 3-PT%
Hayes is an undersized power forward who tries to play like a small forward without a ton of success. His shooting numbers drastically dipped this past season, so it’s highly unlikely he would be a first-round pick.
Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina, 6-8, Soph.
’15-’16: 12.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 46.6 FG%, 66.7 FT%, 29.2 3-PT%
Jackson played in the shadows of Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige this past season and would be best served returning to UNC where he has a chance to be the go-to scoring option next year.
Julian Jacobs, PG, USC, 6-4, Jr.
’15-’16: 11.6 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.9 rpg, 47.1 FG%, 70.4 FT%, 32.6 3-PT%
Versatility is the name of Jacobs’ game and he has good size for the next level. His inconsistencies shooting the ball from deep hurt his stock, which is why he probably ends up returning to school.
Peter Jok, SG, Iowa, 6-6, Jr.
’15-’16: 16.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 43.1 FG%, 85.2 FT%, 40.2 3-PT%
There is not a whole lot of draft buzz surrounding Jok, so he should be returning to Iowa for his senior season.
Moses Kingsley, PF/C, Arkansas, 6-10, Jr.
’15-’16: 15.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.4 bpg, 54.8 FG%, 63.7 FT%
A breakout junior season gained Kingsley some steam as an NBA prospect. I think he has first-round potential based on his development this past season, but would likely be a second-round pick, which is why he should return to Arkansas for his senior year.
Dedric Lawson, F, Memphis, 6-8, Fr.
’15-’16: 15.8 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 40.9 FG%, 70.9 FT%, 35 3-PT%
Lawson first decided to test the waters. Then decided against it. Now he is back in the draft for now. He could be a first rounder but should return for his sophomore season.
Marcus Lee, PF, Kentucky, 6-10, Jr.
’15-’16: 6.4 ppg, 6 rpg, 68 FG%, 40.3 FT%
Lee is a great athlete and energy player, but is limited offensively. He hasn’t evolved during his time at Kentucky as many would have expected, so at this point is a second-round pick at best.
Makai Mason, PG, Yale, 6-1, Soph.
’15-’16: 16 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 42.7 FG%, 80.6 FT%, 35.7 3-PT%
Mason made a name for himself in Yale’s NCAA Tournament upset of Baylor, but this is just him taking advantage of the new rule. There is no real threat of Mason staying in the draft.
Kennedy Meeks, C, North Carolina, 6-9, Jr.
’15-’16: 9.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 54.8 FG%, 68.9 FT%
Meeks is an undersized center who is not mobile enough to play the four, so his draft potential is minimal at this point.
Malik Newman, SG, Mississippi State, 6-3, Fr.
’15-’16: 11.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 39.1 FG%, 68.7 FT%, 37.9 3-PT%
One of the top recruits in the 2015 class, Newman had an underwhelming freshman campaign. Add that to the fact that he is an undersized two guard, and it is hard to see him getting a first-round guarantee. Newman will wisely not hire an agent yet to keep his options open for returning to school.
Chinanu Onuaku, C, Louisville, 6-10, Soph.
’15-’16: 9.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2 bpg, 62 FG%, 58.9 FT%
Onuaku’s size and athleticism make him an intriguing NBA prospect, but his offensive abilities are still works in progress. He should return to school for another year since he probably doesn’t get a first-round guarantee.
QJ Peterson, PG, VMI, 6-0, Jr.
’15-’16: 19.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 40.5 FG%, 90.5 FT%, 36.1 3-PT%
A shooting guard in a point guard’s body, Peterson is not getting drafted.
Malik Pope, F, San Diego State, 6-10, Soph.
’15-’16: 7.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 40.1 FG%, 64.9 FT%, 37.3 3-PT%
An athletic freak, Pope’s all-around offensive game is still a work in progress. Based off potential, he could be a first-round pick but is probably better served grooming his game for another year at the college level.
Rodney Purvis, SG, Connecticut, 6-4, Jr.
’15-’16: 12.8 ppg, 3 rpg, 43.4 FG%, 65.7 FT%, 38.5 3-PT%
A redshirt junior, Purvis just finished up his fourth year of college, but doesn’t look like a draft pick.
Xavier Rathan-Mayes, G, Florida State, 6-4, Soph.
’15-’16: 11.8 ppg, 4.4 apg, 40.8 FG%, 77.4 FT%, 28.5 3-PT%
After a solid freshman season, Rathan-Mayes took a backseat to the freshmen duo of Malik Beasley and Dwayne Bacon this past season, which hurt his stock some. Since Rathan-Mayes is not a first-round pick, returning to school appears to be the better option.
Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse, 6-6, Fr.
’15-’16: 13.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 36.9 FG%, 72 FT%, 35 3-PT%
Richardson’s play in Syracuse’s Final Four run may have accelerated his path to the NBA. He has a smooth stroke from the outside and good size for a wing at the next level. Richardson would likely be a first-round pick if he stays in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Devin Robinson, SF, Florida, 6-8, Soph.
’15-’16: 9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 75.6 FT%, 34 3-PT%
With his size and athleticism, Robinson looks the part for the next level, but he has not played to his expectations. Another year in college would serve him well.
Corey Sanders, PG, Rutgers, 6-2, Fr.
’15-’16: 15.9 ppg, 4.3 apg, 42.3 FG%, 71.3 FT%, 31.5 3-PT%
Sanders doesn’t have any real draft stock at this point, so he ought to be returning to Rutgers.
Pascal Siakam, PF, New Mexico State, 6-9, Soph.
’15-’16: 20.3 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 53.9 FG%, 67.8 FT%
A double-double machine this past season, Siakam could stick in the draft since he is already 22 years old. He would likely be a second-round pick.
Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue, 6-9, Fr.
’15-’16: 10.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 46.1 FG%, 71.3 FT%, 29.2 3-PT%
Swanigan was productive during his freshman campaign, but didn’t do enough to guarantee being a first-round pick. He is simply testing the waters at this point, and I would expect him to be back with the Boilermakers next season.
Trevor Thompson, C, Ohio State, 6-11, Soph.
’15-’16: 6.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 52.2 FG%, 75 FT%
He will be back with the Buckeyes next season.
Melo Trimble, PG, Maryland, 6-3, Soph.
’15-’16: 14.4 ppg, 5.1 apg, 41.4 FG%, 86.7 FT%, 33.5 3-PT%
Trimble isn’t hiring an agent but since he is a likely first-round pick, expect him to remain in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Mo Watson Jr., PG, Creighton, 5-10, Soph.
’15-’16: 14.1 ppg, 6.5 apg, 47.5 FG%, 71.4 FT%, 29.7 3-PT%
Watson is testing the waters and is expected to return for his junior year.
Andrew White III, SF, Nebraska, 6-7, Jr.
’15-’16: 16.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 48.1 FG%, 77.5 FT%, 41.2 3-PT%
The former Kansas transfer can stroke it from deep but isn’t a serious draft prospect.
Isaiah Whitehead, G, Seton Hall, 6-4, Soph.
’15-’16: 18.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.6 rpg, 37.9 FG%, 76 FT%, 36.5 3-PT%
After an up-and-down first year with the Pirates, Whitehead lived up to the hype during this past season. He is a high volume shooter though, which might scare some teams away. Whitehead likely is a second-round pick, but I could see him staying in the 2016 NBA Draft regardless.
Troy Williams, SF, Indiana, 6-7, Jr.
’15-’16: 13.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 51.3 FG%, 69.1 FT%, 34.7 3-PT%
An elite and explosive athlete at the rim, Williams’ has been on NBA radars for a while. What is holding him back from being a first-round pick is his struggle with shooting the ball from deep.
Returning to School
Grayson Allen, SG, Duke, 6-4, Soph.
’15-’16: 21.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 46.6 FG%, 83.7 FT%, 41.7 3-PT%
Allen blew up this past season and likely would have been a first-round pick. I love when a guy like that returns to school. Duke is going to be loaded next year!
Dwayne Bacon, G/F, Florida State, 6-7, Fr.
’15-’16: 15.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 44.7 FG%, 71.4 FT%, 28.1 3-PT%
Bacon is built for the NBA with his size and scoring ability, but was a borderline first-round pick. A year of maturity and improving his outside shooting should help his stock for 2017.
Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana, 6-10, Fr.
’15-’16: 11.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 68.3 FG%, 70.6 FT%
Bryant has first-round potential, but there are parts of his game that still need work. That makes his decision to return to school a wise one since he can help his stock for next year’s draft.
Kris Jenkins, PF, Villanova, 6-6, Jr.
’15-’16: 15.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 51.3 FG%, 75.2 FT%, 35.7 3-PT%
Jenkins hit one of the biggest shots in NCAA Tournament history, but he is an undersized power forward who would likely go undrafted. He originally was going to test the water, but instead will return to Villanova for his senior season.
Que Johnson, SG, Washington State, 6-4, Jr.
’15-’16: 11.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 41.3 FG%, 75.9 FT%, 40.4 3-PT%
After originally throwing his hat into the ring, Johnson has instead decided to return to school. Look for him to transfer since he is graduating and can play immediately for a different school.
Monte Morris, PG, Iowa State, 6-2, Jr.
’15-’16: 13.8 ppg, 6.9 apg, 48.7 FG%, 72.9 FT%, 35.8 3-PT%
Whether he declared or returned to school, Morris is a likely second-round pick this year or next. Returning to school could allow him to work his way into Round 1.
Ivan Rabb, PF, California, 6-10, Fr.
’15-’16: 12.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 61.5 FG%, 66.9 FT%
Rabb was a likely lottery pick, so I respect his decision to return to school. He needs to add some muscle to his frame, and a good sophomore season should only help his stock.
Allonzo Trier, SG, Arizona, 6-4, Fr.
’15-’16: 14.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 46.6 FG%, 79.3 FT%, 36.4 3-PT%
Based on his ability level, Trier could have been a first-round pick. However, he made the smart move by returning for his sophomore year and continuing to improve, which could end up moving him into the lottery of the 2017 NBA Draft.
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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