Which ACC Underclassmen Staying In Draft
Several ACC underclassmen have put their names into the NBA draft, but only a few are locks to stay in the draft and not come back to college. One thing to remember is that you can declare for the draft then get out once in your college career, so it isn't uncommon for players to declare so they can attend pre-draft workouts and see where they need to improve. Some of these guys may put their name in now with no intention of staying, but knowing they'll probably enter the 2008 draft. Here is a list of, not so much the draft-ability of the players, but the likability these guys keep their names in.
Brandan Wright, PF, North Carolina: Wright is a sure thing of anyone on this list. He's a top five pick who most mock drafts have listed after Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. Wright ain't comin' back.
Josh McRoberts, PF, Duke: He made the jump will full intentions to sign with an agent. Word is there are some financial reasons behind this. There had to be, because he would've benefitted more by staying at least one more year. Still he's a mid-to-late first round pick.
Sean Williams, C/PF, Boston College: Well, he's not coming back to BC. Since being kicked off the team, he's spent his time preparing for this draft.
Thaddeus Young, SF, Georgia Tech: He's one of those kids who can go to these pre-draft camps and see where he is with his game. He needs bulk on him, but he can get that in the NBA. Right now, he's a late first rounder but could shine enough to move up a bit.
Javaris Crittenton, PG, Georgia Tech: Javaris Crittenton is in the same boat as Young. He'll be an NBA player at some point, but isn't sure if now is the time. One thing to remember is that 2008 should be a point guard heavy draft, so it may be smart for Javaris to stay in this year.
Sean Singletary, PG, Virginia: He came off an all-ACC season, but doesn't have the size that the NBA likes in it's floor generals. However, he [and ultimately UVa] will benefit from scouts breaking down his game. He should return.
James Mays, PF, Clemson: Mays is a junior, so it is typical for a guy heading into his senior year to test the draft waters to see where he needs to work on his game. This is a very forward heavy draft, so it makes no sense for Mays to stay in the draft. However, he can work on his shortcomings for the 2008 draft.
Also, remember that guys like FSU's Al Thornton, Wake's Kyle Visser, UNC's Reyshawn Terry, BC's Jared Dudley, Maryland's DJ Strawberry, Ekene Ibekwe and Virginia's JR Reynolds are hoping to be drafted as well.
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