Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

The ten biggest early entry decisions remaining

Doug McDermott

With Gary Harris, Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III all announcing that they are going to be returning to school for the 2013-2014 season, here are the ten biggest decisions left to be made in the week and a half until the NBA’s deadline to enter the draft:

Adreian Payne, Michigan State: Payne is the difference-maker for Michigan State next season. If he returns, the Spartans are a true national title contender, in the mix with Kentucky, Arizona and Duke. Without him, they will still be good, but they will have a hole up front. Gavin Schilling, Matt Costello and Alex Gauna just aren’t the same player as Payne.

Shane Larkin, Miami: Larkin had a breakout season, earning all-ACC first team honors and leading Miami to a dual-ACC title and a trip to the Sweet 16. But the Hurricanes were a senior-laden team in 2012-2013, and with a number of the key pieces -- including the entire front line -- graduating. Draft Express projects Larkin as a late-first round pick.

Doug McDermott, Creighton: Creighton will lose a number of pieces heading into their first year in the new Big East, including center Gregory Echenique and point guard Grant Gibbs. But if McDermott decides to return, he’ll be a favorite to be the National Player of the Year and will make the Bluejays a tournament team.

Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga: Olynyk was the biggest surprise of the 2012-2013 season, as he went from a redshirt to an all-american as a junior. Given his mobility and offensive repertoire, he could be a mid-first round pick if he decides to leave. If he returns, Gonzaga should once again be a top ten team.

(CLICK HERE to follow along with who is turning pro and who is returning to school.)

Isaiah Austin and Cory Jefferson, Baylor: With Pierre Jackson graduating, Baylor is already going to have a major hole to fill. If Austin and Jefferson also decide to enter the draft, that would put a lot of pressure on Rico Gathers and Dominic Woodson up front. Jefferson is probably a second round pick, but Austin could go in the lottery.

Russ Smith, Louisville: Smith was out the door in the moments after the title game, according to his father. But it seems like he’s waffling on that decision and may actually be leaning towards returning. Smith is a perfect fit for Pitino’s pressing system and will help bridge the gap to Terry Rozier and Chris Jones.

CJ Fair, Syracuse: CJ Fair is as underrated as any player in the country. That’s what happens when you’re Mr. Consistency. But what makes Fair so important for Syracuse is that he’s really the only front court player that Jim Boeheim will have that can score the ball outside of five feet from the rim.

Shabazz Napier, UConn: The Huskies have a shot to be a tournament next season, but that’s only if Napier can once again team up with Ryan Boatright in the back court. If Napier leaves, the Huskies could end up being in trouble.

Andre Roberson, Colorado: Colorado is going to be a good basketball team with or without Roberson, but he’s an excellent rebounder and defender that can help them make a push to be the second best team in the Pac-12.

You can find Rob on twitter @RobDauster.