Isaiah Stewart is entering the 2020 NBA draft.
After only one season at Washington, the forward will turn pro, he told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
Washington was a disappointment this season. The Huskies finished 15-17 after a 10-2 start and fell to Arizona in the Pac-12 tournament.
That didn’t stop Stewart from having a strong season. The 6-foot-9 forward was productive on both ends for the Huskies. Putting up 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, Stewart was at times a force on both ends. Stewart also showed efficiency by shooting 57 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free-throw line.
Stewart was impressive during his final game of the season. Against Arizona in the Pac-12 tournament, Stewart ended the season on a high note with 29 points and 12 rebounds.
A potential first-round pick, Isaiah Stewart is still young for this NBA draft class as an 18-year-old freshman. With a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Stewart also plays bigger than his 6-foot-9 frame. Thanks to his high motor and capable skill level, Stewart is an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a frontcourt rotation player. There won’t be many better rebounders in the entire draft.
The latest CBT NBA mock draft from Rob Dauster currently has Stewart going No. 16 overall. At 250 pounds, as Dauster notes, Stewart will be able to handle NBA bigs right away. Although Stewart will need to show more of his jumper and defending one-on-one, he has actual tools to work with for the next level. Teammate Jaden McDaniels, who could also turn pro after his freshman season, was more of the enigma for Washington this season.
Washington’s 2-3 zone didn’t give us a good idea of what Stewart could be defensively. But the 2.1 blocks per game are an encouraging sign that Stewart can at least make some impact plays on defense.