Top international players who took their names out of NBA draft
For college underclassmen, who will be staying in the draft has been a foregone conclusion for quite some time, despite the NBA's official early entry withdrawal deadline having just passed this Monday.
The reason for this is because the NCAA's deadline to withdraw from the draft while still retaining eligibility is in mid-April. While the option still exists for college players to go overseas or play in the D-League if they wish to withdraw from the draft, that's not a path frequently chosen. Only two players college players, Gardner-Webb's Jerome Hill and Nebraska's Walter Pitchford, withdrew their name from the NBA draft, and neither were expected to be drafted. By and large, the college underclassmen have been a fixed group for quite some time.
Where the June 15 early entry withdrawal deadline does come into play is for foreign prospects. While the top international players in the draft – including Kristaps Porzingis and Mario Hezonja, who were fifth and seventh overall, respectively, in our latest mock draft – kept their name in the draft, the withdrawal deadline did shake up the second round quite a bit.
Which players that we projected to be drafted withdrew their name from the draft?
Aleksander Vezenkov, power forward, Greece
Latest mock draft: 31st overall
Vezenkov is an interesting prospect, as the 6-9 forward was one of the best shooters (39% from three point range) and scorers in the Greek A1 league, but his below average athleticism puts into question whether he could succeed in that role against the superior defenders he'd face in the NBA.
What may have hurt Vezenkov's stock, especially with the questions surrounding his athleticism, was the fact that he wasn't able to come over to the United States to workout for teams in person, as his team, Aris, is still competing in the playoffs.
Where Vezenkov plays next season could be pivotal for the young forward. If he were to compete, and succeed, against higher level competition it's possible he could allay some of those fears about his athleticism and improve his standing considerably heading into the 2016 draft.
Timothe Luwawu, shooting guard, France
Latest mock draft: 34th overall
Luwawu is about the polar opposite of Vezenkov, as his calling card is his excellent size and athleticism at the shooting guard spot. He also flashes a lot of tools, with an intriguing combination of slashing potential and shooting ability, even if they are not fully refined and consistent parts of his offensive arsenal.
Luwawu's physical ability will keep him in on the radar next year, and if he's able to further refine his perimeter skill level his strong athleticism and defensive potential could make him a sought after prospect next season.
George de Paula, point guard, Brazil
Latest mock draft: 43rd
George de Paula was one of the more difficult prospects in the draft to get an accurate gauge on his stock. On the one hand, his excellent size and long arms made him a potential defensive force at the point of attack. On the other hand, his relative lack of experience caused many to believe he was a prospect who was years away from contributing. It was easy to see a team falling in love with his potential, but finding one who would also be willing to wait for him to be ready to come over and contribute was a little bit tougher of a proposition.
The experience working out for teams and showing what he could do was likely a good one for de Paula, who maintains a fair amount of intrigue around the league because of his defensive potential. It's the kind of potential that you can't teach, and if he can come back next season with a more developed offensive game, and a little more confidence, he could rise up into the first round if teams feel he is closer to contributing.
Nedim Buza, small forward, Bosnia
Latest mock draft: 60th
Buza's another relatively inexperienced forward who relies on his good size and length to form the basis of much of his intrigue as a small forward prospect, although he does flash some potential as a three point shooter as well.
In order to be more than a borderline draft pick next year Buza will need to mature, both in terms of his basketball skill level and his physical development. If he can come back with increased consistency on his jump shot, be more comfortable in his ball handling and shot creation, and add some much needed weight to his 199 pound frame, he stands a better chance of getting drafted next season.
Prominent international prospects who kept their name in the draft:
Kristaps Porzingis (latest mock: 5th overall)
Mario Hezonja (7th overall)
Guillermo Hernangomez (38th overall)
Cedi Osman (47th overall)
Nikola Milutinov (50th overall)
Mouhammodou Jaiteh (51st overall)