Two Auburn basketball players set to test NBA draft waters

Two more players to test the professional waters, but could return to the Plains.

On Wednesday, Justin Hokanson of Auburn Live reported that four Auburn players are early entrants for this year’s NBA Draft. Both [autotag]Jabari Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Walker Kessler[/autotag] have signed agents and will not be able to return next season. However, both [autotag]Allen Flanigan[/autotag] and [autotag]Dylan Cardwell[/autotag] declared for the draft on Wednesday morning without hiring an agent. In simpler terms, both Flanigan and Cardwell will likely return.

The option to declare for the draft without hiring an agent has been useful over the years. Barring something extremely unexpected, the two will utilize the draft process to receive feedback on areas of concern and areas that they are already well-equipped in.

Therefore, it is beneficial for the players to take that feedback and implement it into their game for the preceding season.

Last season, Flanigan missed time early on in the season as he was still recovering from a lingering Achilles injury. This past season the Arkansas native averaged 6.3 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game. His role will likely increase if he elects to return.

In the ’20-’21 season, he averaged 14.3 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game. If he can duplicate that, his draft stock will certainly rise even higher. He still needs to work on some things like his three-point shooting and his decision-making.

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

On the other hand, Cardwell’s entry into the NBA Draft was unexpected to say the least. His role as a sophomore with the Tigers lessened from his freshman season. He did however play in more games (34) as opposed to just 27 as a freshman.

The Georgia native is one of the better rim protectors in the conference. Cardwell averaged 1.2 blocks per game and 3.3 rebounds per game last season in 11.5 minutes per game. His decision to enter his name in the NBA Draft is likely just to evaluate his game and gather feedback on what his next steps need to be in order to be an elite big man.

With the two likely coming back to Auburn next season, [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] and his staff should have a sure-handed contender in the SEC next season. With the addition of players like [autotag]Yohan Traore[/autotag], [autotag]Tre Donaldson[/autotag], and [autotag]Chance Westry[/autotag], the future certainly looks bright. The 2022 season looks bright in particular. It will be interesting to see how the roster unfolds for this upcoming season.