The sophomore sensation will enter the 2017 NBA Draft
As expected, and first released by Jeff Goodman at ESPN, sophomore sensation John Collins will enter the 2017 NBA Draft, but will not hire an agent.
Wake Forest's John Collins, considered a likely first round pick, will test the NBA waters, but will not sign... https://t.co/NvMO5HAxDT
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 22, 2017
This is exactly what we all figured would happen after his year, especially since he is considered a lottery pick on a few draft boards.
As we discussed earlier today, declaring for the NBA Draft allows him to get feedback from NBA GM’s, scouts, and coaches alike as to where he will likely fall in the upcoming draft. This is not surprising news in the least, and is exactly what I would advise were I in his ear.
Collins averaged 19.2 PPG and 9.8 RPG, and was the nation’s most efficient player according to Ken Pomeroy. His PER (ESPN Player Efficiency Rating) was one of the highest in the last 5 years in college basketball.
His jump from freshman year to this year was shocking, as he went from 7 PPG and 3 RPG to the 19 and 8. This won him the ACC Most Improved Player Award, and was enough to finish a contentious second to UNC’s Justin Jackson.
Collins will be able to participate in the NBA Combine from May 9th-14th, and will then have until May 24th to return to the NCAA if he so chooses.
Obviously if he signs with an agent he will no longer be eligible to return to Wake Forest.
I wish John Collins the best in this endeavor, and should he decide to stay in the NBA, the best luck possible moving forward. It was a pleasure to watch him on the court this season, and he was a perfect representative of Mother So Dear on and off the court.
