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The 2018 NBA Draft is only weeks away, and the Trail Blazers now have a better idea of the talent that will be available at pick No. 24 after Wednesday’s deadline. May 30 was the deadline for early entrants to return to school and fulfill the remainder of their college eligibility.
Here is a list of player decisions that could impact the Blazers’ options on draft night:
Word around the league tonight is that Maryland’s Kevin Huerter has obtained a promise from a team drafting in the first round. Certainly a helpful factor in his decision process.
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) May 31, 2018
Kevin Huerter has rocketed up draft boards after a stellar performance at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago earlier this month. You can read his detailed profile here.
Villanova sophomore Donte DiVincenzo will remain in the 2018 NBA Draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility, sources told Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 29, 2018
The Final Four Most Outstanding Player had strong Combine, has performed well in team workouts.
Donte DiVincenzo will continue to ride the wave of his recent momentum by keeping his name in the draft. The former Villanova standout is projected to be selected outside of the lottery in the first round.
Kentucky’s Jarred Vanderbilt will remain in the NBA Draft, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 31, 2018
Jarred Vanderbilt will be headed to the NBA after just one season at Kentucky. Thanks to his age (19) and wingspan (7’1”), Vanderbilt could sneak into the first round if he performs well in private workouts.
South Carolina forward and former Louisville signee Brian Bowen is expected to remain in the NBA Draft after being informed by the NCAA that he will have to sit next season (at a minimum), source told ESPN. Final ruling hasn’t even been made by NCAA, and could miss even more time
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 30, 2018
Brian Bowen’s basketball future continued to be murky after he decided to keep his name in the draft pool Wednesday. The former McDonald’s All-American might not get his name called on draft night, but he is worth noting after the Blazers met with him at the combine.
Just spoke with Tyus Battle after his Pro Day. He confirmed the earlier reports. "I'm going back to Syracuse," he told me with a big smile. "I just put my paperwork in."
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 31, 2018
Tyus Battle will spend another year at Syracuse in hopes of raising his draft stock. Portland has shown interest in two-way perimeter players, and Battle’s exit will reduce the pool of available prospects that meet that criteria.
Nevada’s Cody and Caleb Martin are returning to school and withdrawing from the NBA draft, source told ESPN. Nevada likely Top 10 preseason team.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 31, 2018
The Martin twins will rejoin the Wolfpack for one more season after lukewarm performances in the lead-up to draft night.
Jontay Porter will return to Missouri next season, per release. Entered 2018 NBA Draft without an agent.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 30, 2018
Jontay Porter won’t be joining his brother Michael in the NBA, and will return to Missouri to build on his successful freshman year with the Tigers.
The 2018 NBA Draft will take place on Thursday, June 21, and the Blazers possess the No. 24 pick in the first round.