Sports Illustrated: Top NBA Draft Prospects Returning to School

[RedDog]

Top NBA Draft Prospects Returning to School

The full list of early entrants for the 2020 NBA draft was announced on Tuesday, but an intriguing collection of players decided to return to school. Here are 10 players to keep an eye on in 2021.

www.si.com

James Bouknight, UConn

Arguably the most intriguing, would-be eligible prospect not to declare for the 2020 draft, Bouknight made massive strides in the second half of UConn’s season and will walk into a brighter spotlight as a sophomore, as the Huskies exit the AAC and return to the Big East. In terms of long-term potential, Bouknight already had a case as a first-rounder, with a demonstrable level of maturity for a freshman and a high-end, natural level of smoothness and explosive athleticism. He remained under the radar for much of the season, but in a live setting, he’s hard to miss. Bouknight must continue to add strength and improve his shooting off the dribble, but has real breakout potential in year two as a multidimensional scoring guard who can play on and off the ball and contribute in a variety of situations. It’s unlikely he’s a secret much longer.

 

[husky429]

I posted this before. After the Houston/Nova/Wichita stretch, our team identity changed some--it seemed to be a turning point for the team. Rique took his time off, and the reigns went to the younger guys. During those last 13 games Bouk averaged

17.2 points
5.1 rebounds
1.5 assists
1.7 TO
0.9 steals

45% FG
36% 3FG (3.8 attempts)
86% FT (4.5 attempts!!)

Those numbers are fantastic for a freshman. A freshman that wasn't even on draft boards! I think that would get him first-round attention without any improvement next year over the course of the season. But getting stronger, improving his defensive IQ, and adding some passing to his game could make him one of the first sophomores picked next year IMO. He has work to do, but could very well be the best sophomore we've had in years.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Whoa. I don't like that opening line one bit. No.

 

[UCLJ0211]

Whoa. I don't like that opening line one bit. No.

He’s not going anywhere next year

 

[CbbisGreat]

I hope you are right but he looks like a first round pick to me . He could easily be a 2 year player for us,

 

[alexd]

Can we start the season next week???

 

[Kitaman]

I hate when secrets are revealed, especially our secrets.

 

[auror]

I hate when secrets are revealed, especially our secrets.

Since we're after the entry deadline, it's now fine to say he's incredible and will be likely a mid 1st rounder next year.

 

[UCLJ0211]

I hope you are right but he looks like a first round pick to me . He could easily be a 2 year player for us,

He will be

 

[Huskyforlife]

I posted this before. After the Houston/Nova/Wichita stretch, our team identity changed some--it seemed to be a turning point for the team. Rique took his time off, and the reigns went to the younger guys. During those last 13 games Bouk averaged

17.2 points
5.1 rebounds
1.5 assists
1.7 TO
0.9 steals

45% FG
36% 3FG (3.8 attempts)
86% FT (4.5 attempts!!)

Those numbers are fantastic for a freshman. A freshman that wasn't even on draft boards! I think that would get him first-round attention without any improvement next year over the course of the season. But getting stronger, improving his defensive IQ, and adding some passing to his game could make him one of the first sophomores picked next year IMO. He has work to do, but could very well be the best sophomore we've had in years.

He's going to be unbelievable, easily in the top 10 conversation.

 

[navery12]

Since we're after the entry deadline, it's now fine to say he's incredible and will be likely a mid 1st rounder next year.

Absolutely. The people "upset" in this thread are the ones who want him coming back for his junior year

 

[superjohn]

Whoa. I don't like that opening line one bit. No.

What? He's coming back next season. We already have multiple threads on it.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

He's gonna ruin people next year.

 

[HuskyHawk]

What? He's coming back next season. We already have multiple threads on it.

yeah I know. But I was thinking the next year.

 

[AntG168]

yeah I know. But I was thinking the next year.

Its been a given for a while. He won't be a junior here

 

[Ajs120102]

He won’t be here junior year. He is definitely surrounded by smart people because he knew what he needed to do. Some would’ve said declare early but he didn’t. Sky is the limit