Sharpshooter Reed Sheppard announces decision to declare for NBA draft

Sheppard was the only player in the country to record at least 145 assists, 80 steals and 75 3-pointers.

Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard announced Thursday on social media that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2024 NBA draft.

Sheppard was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals on 52.1% shooting from 3-point range. He had seven 20-point games, including a season-high 32 points and the game-winning shot on Feb. 27 against Mississippi State.

He was also named to the All-SEC second team.

The 6-foot-3 guard led the country in 3-point percentage and finished 10th in total steals (82). He was the only player in the country to record at least 145 assists, 80 steals and 75 3-pointers, and just the second in program history with 80 or more steals in a season.

Sheppard is projected to be a lottery pick this year. He is considered perhaps the best shooter in the draft after converting at an absurd clip on 4.4 attempts per game. He connected on at least three 3-pointers 12 times and twice hit seven 3s in a game.

The 19-year-old has been more than a shooter, though, ranking 13th in the country in defensive box plus-minus (plus-5.0) and 12th in steal percentage (4.6). He has a knack for picking up full court at times and has shown tremendous instincts on that end of the floor.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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Stephon Castle: NBA draft scouting report and intel

2004 | 6’6 | 6’9 WS | 215 LBS Team: Connecticut Best aggregate mock draft rank: 5 / Worst rank: 20 Agency: Wasserman Group 2023-24 stats: In 32 games, Castle averaged 10.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, with 2.9 assists. He shot 47.0 percent from …

2004 | 6’6 | 6’9 WS | 215 LBS

Team: Connecticut

Best aggregate mock draft rank: 5 / Worst rank: 20

Agency: Wasserman Group

2023-24 stats:

In 32 games, Castle averaged 10.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, with 2.9 assists. He shot 47.0 percent from the field, 26.2 percent from three, and 76.0 percent from the free-throw line. Additionally, he recorded 0.6 blocks, 0.8 steals, and 1.5 turnovers per game.

His father, Stacey Castle, starred at Far Rockaway High and was a teammate of current UConn associate head coach Kimani Young. He played briefly at Oak Hill Academy before committing to Wake Forest, where he played alongside Tim Duncan.

Ron Holland: NBA draft scouting report and intel

2005 | 6’8 | 6’11 WS | 206 LBS Team: G League Ignite Best aggregate mock draft rank: 3 / Worst rank: 12 Agent: Justin Haynes, Bill Duffy 2023-24 Stats: In 15 games of the 2023-24 season, Holland averaged 18.5 points, shooting 47.4 percent from the …

2005 | 6’8 | 6’11 WS | 206 LBS

Team: G League Ignite

Best aggregate mock draft rank: 3 / Worst rank: 12

Agent: Justin Haynes, Bill Duffy

2023-24 Stats:

In 15 games of the 2023-24 season, Holland averaged 18.5 points, shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 23.9 percent from three, with 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.

Projected first-round pick Johnny Furphy announces decision to test 2024 NBA draft

Furphy was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team after averaging nine points, 4.9 rebounds and one assist on 46.6% shooting from the field.

Kansas freshman Johnny Furphy announced on social media that he will declare for the 2024 NBA draft while maintaining his remaining college eligibility.

Furphy, who was born in Australia, was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team after averaging nine points, 4.9 rebounds and one assist on 46.6% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures 14 times, including a season-high 23 points and 11 rebounds on Jan. 22.

The 6-foot-9 guard played a larger role for the Jayhawks over the second half of the season, starting in 18 out of the last 19 games. He averaged 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals on 34.9% shooting from 3-point range over that span.

Furphy is considered a potential first-round pick, given his ability to score, run the floor, finish at the rim and cut on offense. He figures to be among the prospects invited to participate in the draft combine May 12-19 in Chicago, Illinois.

He has until May 29 to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

After testing the pre-draft process, Furphy will participate in Australia’s training camp ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games. He was among the 22 players named to their 22-man preliminary roster, joining Josh Giddey, Joe Ingles and Patty Mills among others.

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Projected first-round pick Tyler Smith declares for 2024 NBA draft

Smith averaged 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and one block on 47.4% shooting from the field in 43 games with the Ignite.

G League Ignite forward Tyler Smith told Jonathan Givony of ESPN on Wednesday that he is declaring for the 2024 NBA draft after one year with the program.

Smith averaged 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and one block on 47.4% shooting from the field in 43 games with the Ignite. He produced seven 20-point games, including a season-high 29 points and four rebounds against the Indiana Mad Ants on Feb. 13.

The 6-foot-11 standout was selected to compete in the Rising Stars game in February as one of the top players in the G League. He also participated in the G League Next Up Game at All-Star Weekend.

Smith, a former consensus five-star prospect, joined the Ignite in June 2023 after two seasons at Overtime Elite. He was named to the All-OTE second team last season after averaging 15.7 points, eight rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 47.5% shooting from the field with Cold Hearts.

The 19-year-old is projected to be a first-round pick after developing into a versatile player who can run the floor and provide floor spacing at the next level, converting 36% from 3-point range on 3.7 attempts this past season. He can also work in the post, with his touch and footwork.

Smith will have the opportunity to improve his draft positioning in team interviews and workouts over the pre-draft process. He could also be invited to compete in the G League Elite Camp or draft combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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Projected lottery pick Ron Holland cleared for full activity after thumb surgery

Holland set the Ignite single-season record for steals, 30-point games and 20-point games while finishing second in points.

G League Ignite forward Ron Holland told Jonathan Givony of ESPN on Tuesday that he will enter the 2024 NBA draft after one season with the program.

Holland averaged 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals on 45.5% shooting from the field in 29 games. He set the Ignite single-season record for steals (69), 30-point games (4) and 20-point games (16) while finishing second in points (565).

The 18-year-old missed the last 18 games of the season after sustaining a ruptured tendon in his right thumb. He underwent surgery on Feb. 27 and was cleared for full activity several weeks ago, likely clearing the way for his participation in pre-draft workouts.

Holland, the former consensus five-star prospect, is projected to be a lottery pick in the draft, given his potential and overall skill set. He looked to be settling in with the Ignite before the injury, resulting in some strong performances.

He will have the opportunity to improve his draft positioning in team interviews and workouts over the pre-draft process. He could also be invited to compete in the G League Elite Camp or draft combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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All-Big East forward Oso Ighodaro declares for 2024 NBA draft

Ighodaro was named to the All-Big East second team after averaging 13.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals.

Marquette senior forward Oso Ighodaro announced on social media that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2024 NBA draft.

Ighodaro was named to the All-Big East second team after averaging 13.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals on 57.6% shooting from the field in 36 games. He ranked fourth in the conference in field-goal percentage and eighth in win shares (5.2).

The 6-foot-11 standout became the 53rd player in program history to reach 1,000 career points (1,078) this past season. He registered seven 20-point games, including a season-high 24 points and five rebounds on March 9 in a win over Xavier.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5jhMcGvVM8/

Ighodaro is considered a potential first-round pick this year. He emerged as a tremendous playmaker and offensive connector for the Golden Eagles with his vision and passing ability. He was also dominant at times in the post and can finish with either hand.

He will have the opportunity to improve his draft positioning in team interviews and workouts over the pre-draft process. He could also be invited to compete in the G League Elite Camp or draft combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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Cody Williams: NBA draft scouting report and intel

2004 | 6’8 | 7’2 WS | 180 LBS Team: Colorado Best aggregate mock draft rank: 3 / Worst rank: 17 Estimated NIL earnings: Over $150,000 (Celsius, Topps) 2023-24 Stats: Williams averaged 28.1 minutes per game, shooting 55.2 percent from the field, 41.5 …

2004 | 6’8 | 7’2 WS | 180 LBS 

Team: Colorado

Best aggregate mock draft rank: 3 / Worst rank: 17

Estimated NIL earnings: Over $150,000 (Celsius, Topps)

2023-24 Stats:

Williams averaged 28.1 minutes per game, shooting 55.2 percent from the field, 41.5 percent from three-point range, and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line. He also contributed 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 blocks, 0.6 steals, and scored 11.9 points per game.

His parents, Ronald and Nicole Williams, were both members of the United States Air Force. His older brother is 2022 former lottery pick Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Report: Georgia Tech junior Miles Kelly declares for 2024 NBA draft

Kelly was an All-ACC honorable mention after averaging 13.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 32 games.

Georgia Tech junior guard Miles Kelly reportedly declared for the 2024 NBA draft as an early entrant prospect, according to Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress.

Kelly was an All-ACC honorable mention after averaging 13.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 32.1% shooting from 3-point range in 32 games. He was one of two players on the team to start every game and led the group in scoring.

The 6-foot-6 standout registered eight 20-point games, including a career-high 36 points, seven rebounds and two assists on Feb. 10 in a loss to Louisville. His 36 points were the most scored by a Yellow Jacket since Josh Okogie in 2016.

Kelly, who is highly touted as a scorer and shooter, tested the pre-draft process last year and eventually returned to school for his junior season. He became the 48th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points (1,057) this past season.

He will have the opportunity to improve his draft positioning in team interviews and workouts over the pre-draft process. He could also be invited to compete in the G League Elite Camp or draft combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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NBA Academy Africa center Ulrich Chomche declares for 2024 NBA draft

Chomche recently competed with the Team World at the Nike Hoop Summit, recording four points, four rebounds and three blocks.

Ulrich Chomche, a 6-foot-10 center from the NBA Academy Africa, reportedly declared for the 2024 NBA draft on Monday, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Chomche, who was born in Cameroon, competed on Saturday with Team World at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon. He recorded four points, four rebounds, three blocked shots and one assist in a 98-75 loss to Team USA.

The 18-year-old also had a strong showing with the NBA Academy Africa in December at the G League Winter Showcase in front of executives and scouts in Orlando, Florida. He established himself as perhaps the top player in the competition.

Chomche is considered a potential first-round pick this year. He has good size and mobility at 240 pounds, enabling him to work in the post and protect the paint with his 7-foot, 4-inch wingspan. He can also step out and shoot a bit, which should only improve with more reps.

He is viewed as a bit of a raw player and will likely need additional development before he can contribute nightly at the next level. He could elect to test the pre-draft process to gain feedback on his game and then play a year in college to further develop his skill set.

Chomche will have the opportunity to improve his draft positioning in team interviews and workouts over the pre-draft process. He could also be invited to compete in the G League Elite Camp or draft combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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