As the excitement of the NBA Draft beckons, several collegiate basketball stars have decided to take a rain check, choosing to refine their skills back at their universities instead of leaping into the professional fray. This strategic move not only shakes up the draft dynamics but also adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming NCAA season.
Will Richard Returns to Florida with Unfinished Business
The University of Florida is set to welcome back a familiar face as guard Will Richard forgoes the allure of the draft to play out his senior season. Richard’s decision, as revealed by his agent George Langberg to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the program.
With a robust track record that includes starting 65 of 68 games over the past two seasons and clocking in impressive averages of 10.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and nearly a steal per game, Richard’s choice to return is laden with intent. His shooting prowess, highlighted by a .445 field goal percentage and a .366 mark from beyond the arc, underscores a player ready to polish his game even further.
A.J. Staton-McCray and Posh Alexander: New Beginnings at New Schools
The draft withdrawal trend extends beyond Florida, touching the lives of other notable players who are seeking greener pastures within the collegiate realm. A.J. Staton-McCray, previously a standout at Samford, is set to bring his all-league and all-defensive prowess to Florida Atlantic. With two more years of eligibility left, thanks to a medical redshirt and the pandemic, Staton-McCray’s move could be a game-changer for the Owls.
Meanwhile, Posh Alexander is embracing the role of a “super senior,” moving to Dayton after stints at St. John’s and Butler. His journey is one of resilience and adaptation, showcasing a player determined to use every available minute of college eligibility to hone his skills and boost his draft stock for the future.
Tyler Harris: A Fresh Start in Washington
In a move that could reshape the dynamics at the University of Washington, Tyler Harris is set to join the Huskies for his sophomore season. Standing at 6-foot-8 and coming off a freshman year where he averaged 12.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, Harris’s potential is palpable. His decision to transfer from Portland not only reflects his personal ambitions but also signals Washington’s intent to bolster their roster with top-tier talent.
“Tyler’s addition is a significant coup for Washington. His versatility and size are attributes that will serve the Huskies well as they look to climb the ranks in college basketball,” notes a sports journalist. Harris’s move is a testament to the magnetic pull of development and growth that the NCAA continues to offer young athletes.
The Bigger Picture: NCAA as a Stepping Stone to NBA Glory
The decisions of Richard, Staton-McCray, Alexander, and Harris to stay in or move to new college programs highlight a broader trend in basketball development. The NCAA serves not only as a launchpad to the NBA but also as a valuable arena for growth, experience, and exposure. These moves, while personal, underscore a collective acknowledgment of the benefits that an additional year or more in college can offer to an aspiring professional athlete.
As the draft night approaches and passes, the spotlight will not dim on these players. Instead, it will follow them back to the college courts, where they will continue to build their legacy, game by game, play by play. In the world of college basketball, sometimes the best step toward professional success is to take a step back, retool, and surge forward with renewed vigor and refined skills.
Source- Yardbarker
