DECLARED BUT HASN’T HIRED AN 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, Abu would be making a mistake if he stayed in the 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 draft so should return to Stanford for his senior season.
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 skillset for the next level, Blossomgame is an intriguing prospect. He will not hire an agent thus keep 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, UConn, 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 seven-footer heads back to Storrs for his senior season.
Isaiah Briscoe, G, Kentucky, 6-3, Fr.
’15-’16: 9.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.1 apg, 43.9 FG%, 46 FT%, 13.5 3-PT%
Briscoe was overshadowed in the UK backcourt by Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray which didn’t allow him to flourish and thus hurts his stock. His 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.
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 Jayhawk 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 would be better served returning for his sophomore year and improving his stock.
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 draft since 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 but his professional future is likely overseas. He is who he is at this point so could stay in the 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 Nova for his senior season.
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.
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%
No chance he is getting drafted so should be heading back to Wazzu.
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.
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. It is uncertain whether Jones could play next season so turning pro might be his only option. He is a crazy athlete but doesn’t shoot it well at all.
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 has NBA potential and could be a first rounder so he could go either way. It will depend on the feedback he gets during workouts and at the Draft Combine.
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 UK 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 him staying in the draft.
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. He 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%
His size and athleticism make him an intriguing NBA prospect but his offensive abilities are still a work in progress so he should return to school for another year since he probably doesn’t get a first round guarantee.
Rodney Purvis, SG, UConn, 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, XR-M took a backseat to the freshmen duo of Malik Beasley and Dwayne Bacon this past season which hurt his stock some. Since he is not a first round pick, returning to school appears to be the better option.
Jalen Reynolds, PF, Xavier, 6-9, Jr.
’15-’16: 9.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 52.3 FG%, 65.4 FT%
It is highly unlikely Reynolds will stay in the draft since he is a borderline second round pick.
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 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 should be returning to Rutgers.
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 draft since he projects as a mid-first 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 Boilers next season.
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. Time may be running out at this point so he could end up staying in the draft if he’s okay with playing overseas.
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.
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.
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.
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 which might scare some teams away though. He likely is a second round pick but I could see him staying in the draft regardless.
