All-SEC guard Ricky Council to forgo eligibility, declare for NBA draft

Council was named to the All-SEC second team after averaging 16.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals.

Arkansas junior Ricky Council IV announced Tuesday on social media that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2023 NBA draft.

Council was named to the All-SEC second team after averaging 16.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals on 43.3% shooting from the field. He was one of eight players in program history to record at least 575 points, 125 rebounds, 80 assists and 40 steals in a season.

The 6-foot-6 guard emerged as a tremendous scorer given his ability to shoot and penetrate into the paint and finish at the rim. He found great success in getting to the line, ranking 11th in the country in free throws (173) and 18th in attempts (218).

Council is most commonly projected to be a second-round pick this year. He will have the opportunity to improve his stock in private workouts with teams and is a likely candidate to be invited to compete in either the draft combine or G League Elite Camp next month in Chicago, Illinois.

Underclassmen have until April 23 to declare for the draft.

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