While the state of athletics remains somewhat questionable in the United States, there remains optimism and hope that a college basketball season can commence on schedule next year. In fact, the NCAA has given the green light for programs to start welcoming back athletes on June 1st with the hope that they can get prepared for an upcoming season.
While the NCAA and programs hope the season will not be altered, there is still plenty of news circulating around the college landscape. Let’s look at some of the biggest news from the last week.
Who Will Go #1 in the NBA Draft?
With the NBA season in a state of uncertainty, so is the draft. It is tentatively scheduled for the end of June. However, it is hard to have a draft if you aren’t sure of the draft order which has always been figured out through finishing the season. Therefore, if the season extends into late summer, so will the draft.
For college kids around the nation, this leaves them in a slight state of panic. Any sort of uncertainty can create a sense of uneasiness for players in limbo between their college and professional careers.
In terms of the draft itself, there is an exciting blend of both collegiate and “international” talent. The international is put in quotes because the highest talent in that regard is the American LaMelo Ball, who has been playing in Australia.
According to Rob Dauster of NBC Sports, though, it is a college player that has the highest stock in the draft. According to his mock draft, Georgia’s Anthony Edwards is the top overall talent in the draft.
Last season with the Bulldogs, Edwards averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 32 games. Rounding out the top five are Edwards, Ball, James Wiseman (Memphis), Obi Toppin (Dayton), and Onyeka Okongwu (USC).
Marquette’s Brendan Bailey to Enter NBA Draft
Another college player has entered his name into major consideration for this year’s draft. Marquette forward Brendan Bailey will forego two more years of eligibility in order to start his professional career. While Bailey had put his name into consideration for the draft in April with the option of returning to school, it appears he is now all in.
At Marquette, Bailey averaged 7.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game over 30 games. While those are far from elite numbers by collegiate standards, at 6′ 8″ he certainly has some tools that could make him a sought-after prospect.
Georgetown’s Patrick Ewing Tests Positive For Coronavirus
Georgetown announced at the end of last week that head coach Patrick Ewing has tested positive for Covid-19. It appears that Ewing is the only member of the program who has tested positive, but it is noteworthy as the NCAA looks to allow schools to start opening up.
The NCAA is deeming June 1st to be the date that schools can start letting football and basketball athletes back in the building. It will be interesting to see if there are any resurgences as coaches or players who may not have been aware they are infected could quickly spread the virus.
Fortunately since his diagnosis, the 57-year-old Ewing has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, according to his son, Patrick Ewing Jr. The former NBA legend and Georgetown star will hopefully be up and running in the near future.
