Tag: Tyson Etienne

Did he stay or did he go? Tracking the biggest NBA draft decisions

All prospects who declared early entry for the 2021 NBA draft without foregoing their collegiate eligibility had until July 7 to withdraw.

All prospects who declared early entry for the 2021 NBA draft without foregoing their collegiate eligibility had until July 7 to withdraw.

While the official date from the league is not actually until July 19, the NCAA has mandated the deadline of July 7 for players who wish to play college basketball next season.

Prospects who declared as early entry candidates but were just “testing the waters” often opt to return to the collegiate ranks so as to improve their draft stock for the subsequent year instead. But there are several reasons why a player might be even more willing to return to college for another campaign than usual.

For example, seniors have the option to use another year of eligibility because of the massive impact of COVID-19. Others may be interested in playing another year of college in front of fans after last season was met with many restrictions.

Meanwhile, all NCAA athletes also now have the ability to profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL) for the first time. This offers an avenue to collect some money while still in college without needing to fully commit to turning pro.

Here are the latest updates about who is still testing the waters, who will be turning pro and who will be returning to the NCAA.

Tyson Etienne to work out with Suns before early-entry withdrawal date

Etienne will reportedly work out with the Suns on Tuesday, just one day before the early-entry withdrawal deadline.

Wichita State guard Tyson Etienne will reportedly work out with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, just one day before the early-entry withdrawal deadline, according to Taylor Eldridge of The Wichita Eagle.

Etienne, who was the American Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year, averaged 16.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal in 22 games. He shot a staggering 39.2% from 3-point range on 7.5 attempts, ranking 18th in the nation in 3s per game (2.95).

The 6-foot-2 sophomore to this point has worked out privately with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors. He will make one final visit with the Suns and then decide to stay in the draft or return to school.

During an interview with Rookie Wire last month, Etienne said he will consult with his family prior to making that decision on his future for next season.

It’s not going to be a rushed decision. It’s going to be a well-thought-out, well-strategized decision. It’s going to be a decision that’s best for Tyson Etienne, not for anybody else. It’s going to be the best decision for myself and my family.

Etienne currently isn’t projected to be selected by most mock drafts but has reportedly had strong showings during his in-person workouts. He will have one last opportunity to leave an impression on a team in Phoenix with his workout on Tuesday.

The early-entry withdrawal deadline is July 7 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

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

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NBA combine invitations suggest who could be heading back to the NCAA

We took a look at the participant list for the NBA draft combine and G League Elite Camp to tell us who might return to their college team.

We took a look at the participant list for the NBA draft combine and G League Elite Camp to tell us who might return to their college team.

While there is nothing final about our projections, now that those lists are finalized we know the names of the most notable players who have declared for the draft without foregoing their collegiate eligibility.

These prospects, who are all classified as “testing the waters” at this point, are the ones facing the toughest decision for their pro future but may have more clarity now than they did during the college basketball season.

Tyson Etienne: ‘I want to show NBA teams who Tyson Etienne is’

Etienne recently sat down with Rookie Wire to discuss the pre-draft process, what he wants to show teams and much more.

Amid a chaotic season, Tyson Etienne put forth his best display of basketball after turning in a strong sophomore campaign with Wichita State.

The Shockers dealt with a head coaching change while navigating through difficult circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Several games were canceled or postponed, making for plenty of uncertainty throughout the year.

Still, Etienne and the Shockers experienced great success on the court.

Etienne was named the American Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year after averaging 16.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal in 22 games. He shot a staggering 39.2% from 3-point range on 7.5 attempts, ranking 18th in the nation in 3s per game (2.95).

Behind the play of Etienne, and the guidance of first-year head coach Isaac Brown, the Shockers earned an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament. While they lost to Drake in the First Four, the Shockers had an incredible run after they were projected to finish seventh in their conference.

Now, Etienne is looking to go on a run of his own in the pre-draft process.

On April 18, Etienne announced he would enter the NBA draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He has already worked out privately with the Cleveland Cavaliers and has workouts set up with the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns among others.

Etienne recently sat down with Rookie Wire to discuss the pre-draft process, his experience last season with the Shockers, what he wants to show teams and much more.

Please note this interview was minorly edited in its transcript for clarity

Report: Wichita State guard Tyson Etienne to be hosted by Celtics for pre-draft workout

The Shocker’s floor general will reportedly meet with Boston ahead of the 2021 NBA draft.

It seems the Boston Celtics have a busy week of pre-draft workouts slated for 2021 NBA draft prospects, with the Wichita Eagle’s Taylor Eldridge reporting that Wichita State point guard Tyson Etienne will work out with the Celtics next week.

One of a number of fringe prospects seen as potential 2021 draftees with pre-draft plans to meet with Boston, Etienne is a 6-foot-2 floor general who is consistently ranked in the top-100 prospects for this coming draft, but outside the top-60 as well. A little small to play the point at the next level, the New York native put up 16.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and just under a steal per game with the Shockers in his sophomore season playing a competitive American Athletic Conference schedule.

As with many of the Celtics’ recently reported pre-draft workouts, it seems likely Etienne is being brought in for either the second-round pick belonging to Boston at No. 45, or perhaps a camp deal.

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This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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