NCAA Basketball Underclassmen Testing The Waters

By Andrew Musur on April 22, 2015

The college basketball official deadline for NBA draft entries ends on April 26 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.

The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) states a player must stay in college for at least one year before they are allowed to enter their name into the draft.

Several players across the country talked to their families, coaches and teammates and decided whether or not to take the next step in their basketball careers.

Here is my breakdown on a few of those players, specifically those that decided to leave after their first year.

Tyus Jones – Point Guard – Duke – Freshman 

Tyus Jones was one of the most fundamentally strong point guards in all of college basketball. Jones was able to use his fantastic ball handling skills and ability to read the floor, to lead Duke to their first National Title since 2010.

Jones was only a freshman, but he continually proved that he was able to provide leadership for his teammates and step up in pressure situations. The Apple Valley native has a knack for getting into the lane and is able to penetrate or create his own shot once he is there.

Jones is one of the most athletic guards in this draft pool, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see his name called rather early.

Pick Prediction: Mid to Late First Round

D’Angelo Russell – Point Guard – Ohio State – Freshman

D’Angelo Russell was one of the most composed freshman to play college basketball this season. Russell stayed cool, calm and collected throughout the Buckeye’s season.

The Louisville native put up 19.3 points per game and dished out 5.7 dimes per game. Russell is one of the best passers the college game has ever seen.

The 6-foot-5 guard has great size and vision making him a nightmare for defenders. Russell also has a deadly jump shot, something any NBA team is in need of.

Pick Prediction: Top 5 Pick

Justise Winslow – Shooting Guard/Small Forward – Duke – Freshman 

If you are looking for a flat out athlete, Justise Winslow is your guy. Winslow put on a show for America during March Madness, and his draft stock is at an all time high.

The Duke freshman has the ability to score in so many different ways. He can drive the lane, hit a mid-range jumper or knock it down from beyond the arc. The 6-foot-6 forward is also very nimble and quick on his feet.

Winslow can beat anyone down the court, and when he does he will utilize his smarts and soft touch to finish around the rim.

Pick Prediction: Top 5 Pick

Kelly Oubre – Small Forward – Kansas – Freshman

Kelly Oubre stands 6-foot-7, but his wingspan extends to a whooping 7-foot-2. Oubre is a defensively sound player. He utilizes his length to get out in front of defenders and block shots and rebound.

The Henderson, Nevada native is also one of the best shooting big men in this year’s draft class. Oubre hit 44 percent of his field goals and nearly 36 percent of his three pointers.

A well conditioned and aggressive player like Oubre will have no problem finding a home in the NBA.

Pick Prediction: Lottery

Trey Lyles – Power Forward – Kentucky – Freshman

Trey Lyles was one of the most versatile players in all of college basketball this season. Lyles was able to dominate teams defensively as his size and length made it nearly impossible for anyone to score against him.

An Indianapolis native, Lyles was an extremely dedicated player on the 2015 Kentucky team. He continually made hustle plays throughout the season and helped the Wildcats achieve a dazzling 38-1 record.

But the best part about Lyles is that he can knock down his jump shots. Lyles knocked down 49 percent of his field goals. The ability to knock down shots coupled with his ability around the rim, will put Lyles into the top 10 pick discussion.

Pick Prediction: Lottery

Myles Turner – Power Forward – Texas – Freshman

Myles Turner is giant, seriously giant. Turner stands at 6-foot-11 and has a wingspan of 7-foot-4. The Houston native was able to use his incredible size and length to be one of the nation’s top rebounders and shot blockers.

Turner did not have the most amazing year at Texas, but the 240 pound power forward is dripping with potential. With his big play abilities and potential, Turner should see a long career playing professional basketball.

Pick Prediction: Mid First Round

Jahlil Okafor – Center – Duke – Freshman

Jahlil Okafor is one of the most developed big men college basketball has seen in a long, long time. The Chicago native uses his giant frame, strength and array of post moves to put defenders on blast.

And if you didn’t know, Okafor’s hands are huge. The big man has extremely soft hands and catches almost everything thrown his way.

Okafor is one of the most efficient and talented scores in the game. The 6-foot-11 center hit a blistering 66 percent of his shots this season. Best of all, Okafor never loses his cool.

Pick Prediction: Top 2 Pick

Karl Anthony Towns – Center – Kentucky – Freshman 

Karl Anthony Towns was one of the most dominant players in the NCAA tournament this year. Specifically in Kentucky’s Elite 8 matchup with Notre Dame, Towns put on a show hitting everything in the lane.

Towns is a player with an enormous amount of potential. The Piscataway native is a natural rebounder and makes shooting for a big man look easy. Towns has all the intangibles NBA scouts are dreaming of.

With his size and skill set, there should not be a reason Towns doesn’t get drafted number one overall.

Pick Prediction: Top Pick

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