Projected first-round pick Usman Garuba declares for NBA draft

Garuba averaged 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 79 games between the EuroLeague, Spanish ACB and Spanish Cup competitions.

Real Madrid center, and projected first-round pick, Usman Garuba has reportedly declared for the NBA draft after a productive season abroad, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Garuba averaged 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 79 games between the EuroLeague, Spanish ACB and Spanish Cup competitions. He earned EuroLeague Rising Star honors after averaging 3.9 points and four rebounds in 39 league games.

The 19-year-old is widely projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick following a strong run in Europe. He is viewed by many to be one of the top defensive prospects in the draft and has drawn comparisons to OG Anunoby and P.J. Washington.

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Garuba reportedly has a 7-foot-3 wingspan that figures to intrigue teams at the next level. He projects to make an impact on both ends of the floor and has shown an ability to hit from 3-point range, converting on 30.3% from beyond the arc this season.

The NBA draft is scheduled to take place on July 29.

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