Category: 2022 NBA Draft

Projected lottery pick Bennedict Mathurin declares for NBA draft

Mathurin, the Pac-12 Player of the Year, averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal in 37 games.

Arizona Wildcats sophomore Bennedict Mathurin on Wednesday announced that he will enter the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Mathurin, the Pac-12 Player of the Year, averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal in 37 games. His 655 points scored this season ranked ninth-most in program history as he shot 45% from the floor and 36.9% from 3-point range.

He is projected to be a lottery pick after a great run in the NCAA Tournament.

Mathurin averaged 21 points in three tournament games, including a 30-point performance to send the Wildcats to the Sweet 16. He even showed his clutch gene in that win after hitting the game-tying 3-pointer to send the game to overtime.

Mathurin is viewed as an exceptional 3-point shooter and carried that into this season with the Wildcats. With his athleticism and ability to shoot, and with a great performance on the biggest stage in the sport, Mathurin should stay near the top of the draft board.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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Gonzaga junior and All-American Drew Timme to enter NBA draft

Timme was a consensus All-American after averaging 18.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 32 games.

Drew Timme announced that will enter his name in the 2022 NBA draft after becoming the West Coast Conference Player of the Year as a junior with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Timme, who was also a consensus All-American, averaged 18.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 58.6% shooting from the field in 32 games. He led the WCC in scoring and ranked 20th in the country in shooting among all Division I players.

The 6-foot-10 forward is projected to be a mid-to-late second-round pick by most mock drafts. He did not state in his announcement if he would hire an agent but could still elect to return to college for one more season.

Timme will have the opportunity to participate in private workouts with teams to improve his draft stock over the next two months. He also figures to be a strong candidate to earn an invitation to take part in the draft combine or NBA G League Elite Camp next month.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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NC State freshman Terquavion Smith to test NBA pre-draft process

Smith was named to the ACC All-Rookie team after averaging 16.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals.

N.C. State freshman Terquavion Smith on Tuesday told Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he will declare for the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility.

Smith was named to the ACC All-Rookie team after averaging 16.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals on 36.9% shooting from 3-point range in 32 games. His 96 total 3-pointers led all players in the ACC and were the most by a freshman in program history.

The 6-foot-4 guard is considered to be a potential first-round pick given his explosiveness and scoring ability. Of course, his knack as a shooter could also get him a look inside of the first round.

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Smith plans to participate in private workouts with teams to improve his draft stock over the next two months. He also figures to be a strong candidate to earn an invitation to take part in the draft combine or NBA G League Elite Camp next month.

The early entry withdrawal deadline for underclassmen is June 1.

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2022 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Projections for every pick post-NCAA Tournament

Rookie Wire took a look at the next draft class following the NCAA Tournament and projected every pick.

With Kansas claiming the NCAA championship this week, the victory marked the official beginning of the NBA pre-draft process with prospects now looking to transition to the next level.

Several of the top prospects have already declared for the NBA draft while others are still mulling over their decisions, respectively. They will now have the opportunity to begin their preparations for upcoming workouts and other related scouting events.

Underclassmen have until April 24 to declare for the NBA draft. They can withdraw from draft consideration up until June 1 and still keep their remaining collegiate eligibility. Those borderline prospects can improve their draft stock during that time before making a firm decision.

Rookie Wire took a look at the next rookie class and projected every pick based on the latest information at hand. Of course, with much of the pre-draft process left to play out, these rankings will change but here is how we see things at the moment.

Note: The order of the draft was pulled from Tankathon as of April 9. The 2022 draft may only have 58 picks after the Bucks and Heat were stripped of their second-round picks by the NBA.

Wake Forest guard Alondes Williams declares for NBA draft

Williams was named the ACC Player of the Year after averaging 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals.

Wake Forest guard Alondes Williams announced this week that he will declare for the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Williams, a grad transfer from Oklahoma, was named the ACC Player of the Year after averaging 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals, becoming the first Demon Deacon to win since Josh Howard (2003). His 649 points scored were seventh-most for a single season.

The 6-foot-5 standout emerged as a strong floor general throughout the season, ranking first in the ACC, and 13th in the country, in assists. He also led the conference in assist percentage (31.2) and was fourth in usage (28.9) among all players.

Williams is most commonly projected to be a second-round pick this year. He emerged as an exceptional scorer with his athleticism and strength and ability to get others involved. Williams proved to be a great finisher inside and got into the paint with ease.

The 22-year-old faces questions regarding his shooting after converting 28.2% from 3-point range on 4.1 attempts per game. However, with solid mechanics, Williams should be able to improve with more practice and reps at the next level.

The 2022 NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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Kentucky freshman TyTy Washington makes NBA draft announcement

Washington, who was voted to the All-SEC second team, averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 31 games.

Kentucky freshman TyTy Washington on Wednesday told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that he will hire an agent and enter the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his collegiate eligibility.

Washington, who was voted to the All-SEC second team, averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 31 games. He led the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.43) and broke John Wall’s single-game record with 17 assists on Jan. 8.

The 6-foot-3 standout is projected to be a first-round pick this year after emerging as a strong guard who can play on or off the ball. He established himself as a strong three-level scorer and has great court vision with the ball in his hands.

Washington will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock in private workouts with teams. He also figures to be a strong candidate to earn an invitation to compete in the combine next month and could eventually work his way up draft boards.

The 2022 NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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

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Tennessee freshman Kennedy Chandler declares for 2022 NBA draft

Chandler was named to the All-SEC second team after averaging 13.9 points, 4.7 assists and 2.2 assists in 34 games this season.

Tennessee freshman Kennedy Chandler on Tuesday announced that he will hire an agent and enter the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Chandler was named to the All-SEC second team after averaging 13.9 points, 4.7 assists and 2.2 assists on 46.4% shooting from the field in 34 games. He set the Tennessee single-season freshman record for steals and finished eighth in the country with 74.

The 6-foot standout enters the pre-draft process highly touted as an athletic point guard that can create for himself and others. He is a strong 3-point shooter, converting 38.3% of his 3.8 attempts this season, and could be a good floor-spacer at the next level.

Chandler is most commonly projected to be a mid-first-round pick this year given his ability as an initiator on offense. He has some questions regarding his size at 172 pounds but proved to be a great playmaker for the Volunteers throughout the season.

He will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock in private workouts with teams. He also figures to be a strong candidate to earn an invitation to compete in the combine next month and could eventually work his way up draft boards.

The 2022 NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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

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Potential No. 1 pick Jabari Smith Jr. declares for 2022 NBA draft

Smith, who was voted a consensus All-American, averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, two assists, 1.1 steals and one block this season.

Auburn Tigers forward Jabari Smith Jr. on Tuesday announced that he will declare for the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Smith, who was voted a consensus All-American, averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, two assists, 1.1 steals and one blocked shot on 42% shooting from 3-point range. He set the Auburn single-season freshman record for points (576) and 3-pointers (79).

He was also named the SEC Freshman of the Year.

The 6-foot-10 standout is in the conversation to become the No. 1 pick this year. He has impressed as a player who can create for himself and shoot from all over the court. He has also shown he can push the break on his own and projects to fit perfectly at the next level.

The decision to enter the NBA draft was likely a foregone conclusion for Smith. He established himself as one of the top players in the country and performed at a high level all season long and will be one of the first players off the board this year.

The 2022 NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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Arkansas sophomore Jaylin Williams to test pre-draft process

Williams was named to the All-SEC second team after averaging 10.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks.

Arkansas Razorbacks sophomore Jaylin Williams on Monday announced he will enter the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Williams, who was named to the All-SEC second team, averaged 10.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in 37 games. He finished fifth in the country in total rebounds (364) and fourth in defensive win shares (3.0).

He was also named to the SEC All-Defensive Team.

The 6-foot-10 forward is considered by some to be a potential first-round pick. He is viewed as one of the top defensive prospects in the draft with an improving offensive game. He has also impressed with his passing and ability to see the floor as a big man.

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Williams will have the opportunity to participate in private workouts with teams to improve his draft stock over the next two months. He could also be invited to take part in the draft combine or NBA G League Elite Camp next month.

The early entry withdrawal deadline for underclassmen is June 1.

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Auburn sophomore Walker Kessler to enter NBA draft, hire agent

Kessler was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.6 blocked shots and 1.1 steals.

Auburn Tigers center Walker Kessler told Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he will hire an agent and enter the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Kessler, who transferred last year from North Carolina, was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.6 blocked shots and 1.1 steals in 34 games. He led the SEC in blocks and ranked second among all Division I players.

He was also voted a third-team All-American by the AP.

The 7-foot-1 center is widely considered to be a first-round pick. He has been compared some to Brook Lopez given his ability to protect the paint and work inside on offense. He wasn’t used much as a floor spacer but has good form and should improve with more reps.

Kessler will have the opportunity to participate in private workouts with teams in the coming weeks to improve his draft stock. He also figures to be a strong candidate to earn an invitation to compete in the draft combine next month.

The 2022 NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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