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 havenโt 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 โtest the watersโ 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 4.7 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 56.4 FG%, 53.5 FT%
Potential, potential, potentialโฆ 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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 doesnโt contribute much else outside of scoring.
Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA, 6-6, Fr.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 12.1 ppg, 4.2 apg, 5.4 rpg, 47 FG%, 63.5 FT%, 28.8 3-PT%
Briscoeโs game really doesnโt translate to the NBA. He struggles shooting it from deep and while physical, is not a high level athlete. It wouldnโt surprise me if goes undrafted.
Dillon Brooks, SF, Oregon, 6-6, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 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 heโs likely a second round pick.
John Collins, PF, Wake Forest, 6-10, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 10 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 65.2 FG%, 74.3 FT%
Collins was the Zagsโ sixth man and showed enough promise to emerge as a lottery prospect.
Tyler Dorsey, SG, Oregon, 6-4, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 13.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 40.7 FG%, 59.7 FT%, 29.8 3PT%
Coming off South Carolinaโs Final Four run, it makes sense for Dozier to leave school. He has good size and versatility from the guard position but doesnโt shoot it well so he likely ends up in the second round.
Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State, 6-1, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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.
DeโAaron Fox, PG, Kentucky, 6-3, Fr.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 3.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 57.7 FG%, 50 FT%
Perhaps the most disappointing player in college basketball this past season, injuries derailed Gilesโ 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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 UNCโs run to the National Title. He could go anywhere from the mid-teens to twenties.
Marcus Keene, PG, Central Michigan, 5-9, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 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, Keeneโs lack of size limits his potential for the next level.
Luke Kennard, SG, Duke, 6-6, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 8.7 ppg, 2 apg, 39.5 FG%, 77.5 FT%, 32.7 3-PT%
Though talented, Simmons had a disappointing freshman campaign at โZona. 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 10.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 57.1 FG%, 72 FT%
Thompson is graduating so I can understand why heโd 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.
โ16-โ17: 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 didnโt do enough as a junior to be a first round pick.
Nigel Williams-Goss, PG, Gonzaga, 6-3, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 16.8 ppg, 4.7 apg, 6 rpg, 48.6 FG%, 86.7 FT%, 36.8 3-PT%
His stock isnโt 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 HASNโT HIRED AN AGENT
Shaqquan Aaron, SF, USC, 6-7, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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 wouldnโt get drafted.
Bam Adebayo, PF, Kentucky, 6-10, Fr.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 17 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 47.7 FG%, 83.7 FT%, 42.3 3PT%
An undersized two guard who can score and thatโs about it, Blackmon is not going to get drafted if he stays in the draft.
Antonio Blakeney, SG, LSU, 6-4, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 17.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 72.4 FT%, 35.8 3PT%
Blakeney is a volume scorer but doesnโt have much draft stock at this point. He could go undrafted.
Trevon Bluiett, G/F, Xavier, 6-6, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 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, heโs a borderline draft pick once again.
Bennie Boatwright, F, USC, 6-10, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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 doesnโt get a first round guarantee.
Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina, 6-10, Fr.
โ16-โ17: 7.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 57.3 FG%, 61.9 FT%
Bradley has first round potential but didnโt play a star role on UNCโs championship team. He would blossom as a sophomore in Chapel Hill which would help his stock.
Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana, 6-10, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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 heโs a second round pick if he does end up coming out.
Rodney Bullock, F, Providence, 6-8, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 15.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 43.6 FG%, 74.8 FT%, 31.7 3PT%
Bullock wonโt be a first rounder so he would be making a mistake by staying in the draft.
Chance Comanche, C, Arizona, 6-11, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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 doesnโt have any real draft stock at this point.
Tacko Fall, C, UCF, 7-6, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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 arenโt many players like him.
Isaac Haas, C, Purdue, 7-2, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 17.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 44.0 FG%, 83.8 FT%, 36.2 3PT%
Johnson doesnโt have much draft worth at this point and is likely just testing the waters.
Jaylen Johnson, PF, Louisville, 6-9, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 12.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 44.9 FG%, 75.5 FT%, 37 3PT%
Bahahahahahaha
Andrew Jones, PG, Texas, 6-4, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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 didnโt 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.
โ16-โ17: 12 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 43.3 FG%, 63.4 FT%, 33 3PT%
Letโs pump the breaks here, Braxton. Go back to school.
Kyle Kuzma, PF, Utah, 6-9, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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 Iโd expect him to be a second rounder if he stays in the draft.
Maverick Rowan, SF, N.C. State, 6-7, Soph.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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 wasnโt going to be a first round.
Grayson Allen, SG, Duke, 6-5, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 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, Allenโs 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.
โ16-โ17: 1.5 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 45.7 FG%, 62.5 FT%
One of the top prospects in the 2016 class, Boldenโs 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
Devonteโ Graham, PG, Kansas, 6-3, Jr.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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.
โ16-โ17: 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 featureย NBA Draft,ย NBA, andย college basketballย writer for the Sports Bank.ย He also heads up theย NBAย andย college basketballย material atย Walter Football.comย and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities.ย David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu to Milwaukee.ย He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft and theย most accurate 2012 NBA Mock Draftย on the internet , AND the second most accurate 2013 NBA Mock Draft. (Yup, nearly 3peat champโฆ #humblebrag.)
You can follow him on Twitter atย David_Kmiecik.
