May 9, 2016
Mississippi State University star Malik Newman got some good news recently. He is one of http://www.nba.com/2016/news/05/06/more-than-70-players-invited-to-2016-nba-draft-combine/">more than 70 players to get an invite to the NBA Combine.
Nearly 120 underclassmen threw their hat into the NBA Draft ring. That is a lot of names for a draft that has just two rounds and 60 draft picks.
On top of the http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/26/early-entry-candidates-2016-draft/">120 underclassmen from college, another nearly 50 international players have also declared. The draft pool will also include every eligible senior.
The players in the NBA Draft Combine will travel to Chicago to take part in various basketball drills, have medical tests done, and meet with scouts, coaches and general managers. In other words, the basketball version of the NFL Combine.
Players will be there from May 11 to May 15. The NBA Draft Lottery is on May 17 during the NBA Playoffs.
A http://www.slipperstillfits.com/2016/3/28/11320434/nba-draft-deadline-dates">new NCAA rule allows players who declare but don’t hire agents to return to school after the NBA Combine. Players have 10 days after the combine to make a decision if they are going to stay in.
This week will be important for Newman’s draft hopes. If he has a poor showing at the combine, he will more than likely be back at Mississippi State this fall.
On the other hand, a standout showing from Newman could have him jump up the draft boards. NBA draft projections have him all over the place.
Some have the MSU star going late in the http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25553504/ranking-every-underclassman-who-has-declared-for-the-2016-nba-draft">first round, and others have him not being drafted at all. That is a very big disparity on where a player will land.
That is why this week will be important for Newman and others who could be on the cusp of being drafted or not. NBA dreams could be squashed for a year with a bad combine.
It is still not the end of the world for players who need to return to school. They can still declare for the draft after next season without losing their eligibility. In fact, they can declare for the draft three times without losing their ability to play in college.
Players can also, at their expense, have one workout per NBA team. That gives them a chance to get another assessment of their skills and learn just how interested teams are in their services.
Players who don’t withdraw their name by May 25 will forfeit their eligibility, even if they don’t hire an agent. Players who stay in the draft and don’t hear their name called will have to catch on with the D-League or overseas.
Newman should get a good idea this week if he should return to MSU.
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