Category: 2022 NBA Draft

Report: Magic host Keegan Murray for pre-draft workout

Murray is projected to be a top-six pick after averaging 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks last season.

Iowa sophomore Keegan Murray, a projected top-six pick, will reportedly work out with the Orlando Magic on Thursday, according to Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel.

Of course, the Magic were rewarded with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft last month and are expected to be active in meeting with the top prospects. Magic president Jeff Weltman said the team would be thorough in determining which prospect best suits their long-term future with Murray among those in the conversation.

Orlando is expected to ramp up its workouts in the coming weeks with those players projected to be selected early on draft night. They have mainly hosted group workouts with potential second-round targets to this point as their session with Murray is their first known meeting with one of the top prospects.

[mm-video type=video id=01g3rt2a5farpt1p07g2 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g3rt2a5farpt1p07g2/01g3rt2a5farpt1p07g2-857f25efc0c95b6153279b940c94a58c.jpg]

Murray was named an All-American after averaging 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals on 39.8% shooting from 3-point range. He was the top scorer in the country (822) and helped Iowa to the Big Ten title, earning MVP honors.

The 6-foot-8 forward proved to be more than just a scorer, though. He was the only player last season to record at least 800 points, 300 rebounds, 60 blocked shots and 50 assists. He also led all Division I players with a 37.8 PER.

Murray is viewed as perhaps the most complete player near the top of the draft and projects to have a smooth transition to the next level. He may not ultimately land in Orlando, but the All-American figures to be a good addition to a team on draft night.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=76032,76187,75905]

[listicle id=75168]

NCAA: Top returning players after early entry withdrawal deadline

With the early entry period now over, Rookie Wire took a look at the top returning players to college basketball next season.

The early entry withdrawal deadline passed on Wednesday, and several of the top prospects opted against staying in the NBA draft and returned to their respective schools.

The pre-draft process serves as a tremendous opportunity for underclassmen to get their foot in the door with teams and gain valuable feedback on how they can improve their games. Several players in recent memory have used the process to their advantage and come back the following year even better.

Teams now know which underclassmen will stay in the draft and who will play at least one more season in college. The deadline this year offered some drama. Several individuals took the decision all the way up until the final hour on Wednesday. The decision is certainly an important one and prospects used all of their allotted time to best serve their situation.

With the early entry period now over, Rookie Wire took a look at the top returning players to college basketball for next season who had declared for the draft and tested the pre-draft process.

Note: Those players that did not declare for the draft, such as Armando Bacot or Oscar Tshiebwe, were not included on this list. Players were ordered based on their pre-draft stock.

Michigan freshman Caleb Houstan makes NBA draft decision

Houstan averaged 10.1 points, four rebounds and 1.4 assists in 34 games last season with the Wolverines.

Michigan freshman Caleb Houstan will stay in the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility, the program announced on Wednesday.

Houstan, a former five-star recruit from the Montverde Academy, averaged 10.1 points, four rebounds and 1.4 assists on 35.5% shooting from 3-point range in 34 games. He started in every game for the Wolverines and led the team with 60 3-pointers.

The 6-foot-8 forward was once viewed as a potential lottery pick but failed to live up to expectations last season. He is viewed now as a borderline first-round pick but is rumored to have received a draft promise after electing to skip the combine last month.

[mm-video type=video id=01g4gh9xvr9waymsswst playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g4gh9xvr9waymsswst/01g4gh9xvr9waymsswst-25f5fe364d4c505c2eb00aaf2a512d02.jpg]

According to one report, the Oklahoma City Thunder were mentioned most among executives as the team that could have offered a promise to Houstan. Oklahoma City enters the draft with three first-round picks (Nos. 2, 12 and 30) and has handed several promises in the past.

Of course, the Thunder potentially giving Houstan a guarantee is purely speculative at this point but the 19-year-old will have the opportunity to improve his stock in interviews and private workouts with teams ahead of the draft on June 23.

Houstan had until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday to withdraw from the draft.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=76313,76257,76228]

[listicle id=75916]

Wizards to host solo workout with Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis

Davis will reportedly take part in an individual workout with the Wizards on Thursday.

Wisconsin sophomore Johnny Davis will reportedly visit with the Washington Wizards on Thursday, according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic.

The Wizards will first conduct a group workout with several prospects and will then put Davis through an individual workout afterward. Washington holds the 10th overall pick in the first round, which is right in Davis’ projected range after a strong campaign with the Badgers.

Davis, who was a consensus first-team All-American, averaged 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals in 31 games. He was also named the Big Ten Player of the Year after leading the Badgers to the conference regular-season title.

[mm-video type=video id=01g4gk0vnc4bqs56jvj0 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g4gk0vnc4bqs56jvj0/01g4gk0vnc4bqs56jvj0-f7ecf4992c64e742e98f5c5b880e2207.jpg]

Davis had an incredible rise up draft boards this year. He finished third in scoring in the Big Ten and proved a dynamic scorer by creating for himself or by working in the mid-range. He had three 30-point performances, including a season-high 37 points against then-No. 3 Purdue.

The individual workout with Davis could indicate the Wizards’ interest in him, but the team will also do its due diligence on each prospect in their range ahead of the draft. The visit with the Wizards is the first known workout for Davis to this point.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=76302,76257,76228]

[listicle id=75916]

Kris Murray will withdraw from draft, return to Iowa for junior year

Murray averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 35 games last season with the Hawkeyes.

Iowa forward Kris Murray, the twin brother of potential lottery pick Keegan Murray, announced on Wednesday that he will withdraw from the 2022 NBA draft and return to school for his junior year.

Murray averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 38.7% shooting from 3-point range in 35 games last season. He posted single-season bests in every category last season and improved his scoring average by 9.1 points and rebounding by 3.7.

The 6-foot-8 forward declined an invitation to compete in the draft combine last month, which fueled speculation that he would return to school next year. However, his father said that Kris would take up until the June 1 deadline to make his decision after training with Keegan.

[mm-video type=video id=01g4gk0vnc4bqs56jvj0 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g4gk0vnc4bqs56jvj0/01g4gk0vnc4bqs56jvj0-f7ecf4992c64e742e98f5c5b880e2207.jpg]

Murray was not projected to be selected by most mock drafts after testing the waters. He will have an opportunity to return to school and work on his skills after receiving feedback from teams and executives during the pre-draft process.

Underclassmen have until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=33836,76032,74349]

[listicle id=75916]

Julian Strawther to withdraw from NBA draft, return to Gonzaga

Strawther announced that he will withdraw from the NBA draft and return for his junior year with the Bulldogs.

Gonzaga sophomore Julian Strawther on Wednesday announced he will withdraw from the 2022 NBA draft and return to school.

Strawther, who was a West Coast Conference honorable mention selection, averaged 11.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and one assist on 49.8% shooting from the field in 32 games last season. He scored in double figures 21 times and twice had a career-high 20 points.

The 6-foot-7 standout was among the prospects that participated in the draft combine last month in Chicago, Illinois. He recorded the fastest lane agility time (10.3 seconds) but did not take part in the 5-on-5 scrimmages, which was a rather surprising decision.

Strawther was not projected to be selected by most mock drafts after testing the waters. He will have an opportunity to return to school and work on his skills after receiving feedback from teams and executives during the pre-draft process.

Gonzaga made its 23rd straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season after earning the top seed. With Strawther back in the fold, the Zags have a strong chance to advance to the Sweet 16 for an eighth consecutive season.

Underclassmen have until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=74195,74180,75699]

[mm-video type=video id=01g4gh9xvr9waymsswst playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g4gh9xvr9waymsswst/01g4gh9xvr9waymsswst-25f5fe364d4c505c2eb00aaf2a512d02.jpg]

[listicle id=75916]

Marquette sophomore Justin Lewis announces NBA draft decision

Lewis was named the Big East Most Improved Player after averaging 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals.

Marquette sophomore Justin Lewis on Wednesday announced that he will remain in the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility after two years with the Golden Eagles.

The news was first reported by Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated.

Lewis, who was named the Big East Most Improved Player, averaged 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 32 games. His 18.2 points per game during conference play was third among all players while he was first in field goals (128).

The 6-foot-7 forward emerged as one of the standouts from the draft combine last month in Chicago, Illinois. He posted the fourth-highest standing vertical leap (32.5 inches) and the sixth-fastest shuttle run (3.02 seconds). He also measured in with a 7-foot-2.5 wingspan.

Lewis is currently projected to be an early second-round pick after a strong pre-draft process. He will have the opportunity to continue to improve his stock by participating in private workouts and interviews with teams ahead of the draft on June 23.

Underclassmen have until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=76270,76257,76228]

[mm-video type=video id=01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5/01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5-b49be1b443aa877b53ad5bab73c3f815.jpg]

[listicle id=75916]

Toledo sophomore Ryan Rollins to remain in draft, forgo eligibility

Rollins, who was named to the All-MAC first team, averaged 18.9 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals last season.

Toledo sophomore Ryan Rollins will reportedly remain in the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Rollins, who was named to the All-MAC first team, averaged 18.9 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals in 34 games. He became the fourth player in program history to register at least 1,000 points in two seasons as his 641 points last season were the third-most ever by a Rocket.

The 6-foot-3 guard was among the standouts at the draft combine last month. He registered a 6-foot-9.75 wingspan, the fourth-highest differential this year, and was tied for the fastest shuttle run at 3.07 seconds. He also recorded 11 points, five rebounds and three assists in his lone scrimmage game.

[mm-video type=video id=01g2mrc5m4zr22ma8fey playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2mrc5m4zr22ma8fey/01g2mrc5m4zr22ma8fey-7b436ee25b85ccf5d08f355ab8dcb47c.jpg]

Rollins is one of the biggest risers in the draft this year and is even considered by some to be a first-round pick given his ability on both ends of the floor. He can score at all three levels and offers plenty of versatility as a scorer and defender.

He will have the opportunity to continue to showcase his overall skill set to teams during private workouts and interviews so the mid-major star could climb even higher on draft boards between now and June 23.

Underclassmen have until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=76270,76257,76228]

[listicle id=75916]

Potential first-round pick Jake LaRavia to remain in NBA draft

LaRavia had a strong pre-draft process and is now considered to be a potential first-round pick.

Wake Forest junior Jake LaRavia announced that he will remain in the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining eligibility after three seasons in college.

LaRavia, who was named to the All-ACC second team, averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals and one blocked shot on 38.4% shooting from 3-point range last season. His 55 total steals were tied for 15th-most in program history for a single season.

The 6-foot-8 forward announced in March that he would declare for the draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He was said to have had a strong pre-draft process and is now considered to be a potential first-round pick this year.

LaRavia was among the standouts at the draft combine last month. He registered a 6-foot-9 wingspan and led all prospects in the 3-point star drill, hitting 68% (17-of-25) of his shots. He also finished second in the shuttle run (2.89 seconds) and third in lane agility (10.58 seconds).

He was set to participate in the scrimmages at the combine but eventually opted against playing. The decision to pull out of the scrimmages fueled speculation that he could have received a promise as it likely solidified his decision to stay in the draft.

Underclassmen have until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=76270,76257,76228]

[mm-video type=video id=01g3rt2a5farpt1p07g2 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g3rt2a5farpt1p07g2/01g3rt2a5farpt1p07g2-857f25efc0c95b6153279b940c94a58c.jpg]

[listicle id=75916]

Arizona sophomore Dalen Terry to remain in NBA draft

Terry, who was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team, averaged eight points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals last season.

Arizona sophomore Dalen Terry on Tuesday announced that he will remain in the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility after two years with the Wildcats.

Terry, who was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team, averaged eight points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals on 36.4% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked second in the conference in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.84), sixth in assists and ninth in steals.

The 6-foot-7 guard was among the prospects that attended the draft combine this month in Chicago, Illinois. He worked out with the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday and will likely have additional visits with other teams ahead of the draft on June 23.

Terry enters the draft highly touted for his ability to impact games as a low-usage player last season. He is considered to be a borderline first-round pick by some and should earn a look on draft night in that range given his defensive skillset alone.

The early entry withdrawal deadline for underclassmen is Wednesday.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=76270,76257,76228]

[mm-video type=video id=01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5/01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5-b49be1b443aa877b53ad5bab73c3f815.jpg]

[listicle id=75916]