Got another draft post-it note for ya

Guys who are going back: Xaivian Lee, Coleman Hawkins, Jamir Watkins, Payton Sandfort, and more

I believe today was the final day for NCAA prospects to classify their intention in this draft cycle, and we got a lot of really weird guys taking their name out of the draft and returning to school outright. Of course, it's their life and their decision, but I really thought some of these guys had great draft stock this year, and may not necessarily have the best chance to sustain or improve them going into the next draft. Coleman Hawkins and Jamir Watkins I was a really big fan of this cycle, and I don't really know how their NBA appeal will scale after another year of play. Especially because they're liking transferring schools, who knows what might happen to their game. Xaivian Lee has an argument for both decisions.... his stock this cycle was quite controversial, and he has the security of staying Princeton's number one. On the other hand, for a player like him, a year of youth can buy you a ton of perceived NBA upside. If he doesn't clearly take a step up over the next year, it's hard to imagine his stock will meaningfully rise. I fr love him and am rooting for him. Also, next year's class looks actually pretty promising. So that's part of it as well for these guys.

The last guy I remember being really bummed out about withdrawing was Johnny Juzang from UCLA. In that awesome Final Four run, he became a legit first round draft pick. When he decided to return, I just knew his odds of maintaining that stock were really up in the air. We know what happened after. Or rather, you don't know what happened to him, which makes my whole point. I utterly respect all these players' decisions, but I sure hope they're the right ones for their careers and lives.

On the flipside, there are a few guys here and there who I think made a great decision to return. Namely guys like Baba Miller, Tyrese Proctor, Zvonimir Ivisic, and more. Not all of these guys made their decision today, but today felt like the natural time to mention them. I like the idea of another year of college play for those guys.

Guys who AREN'T going back: Reed Sheppard, Johnny Furphy, Cam Christie, Bronny

Some of these guys I love their decision, other guys, I don't necessarily like as much. Starting with Reed Sheppard and Johnny Furphy, I believe they made absolutely the right call. Their draft profile is, for the most part, not the friendliest to playing more college hoops. Not that I don't believe in them, but their stock has swelled to their absolute peak. For Reed, he obviously can't really improve from being the possible #3 overall pick, even being rumored to be considered at #2. There were many reports Kentucky was offering him a ton of money to come back (obviously), but however much it was, I doubt it'd be as much as a top draft pick 3-year contract with a 4th year qualifying offer. When that news came out, I was like "Don't be stupid, Reed. I'm begging you." Johnny Furphy's decision was wise for relatively similar reasons.

Cam Christie committed, and I... do not really like that decision. I find his game exceedingly raw, and I'm not sure if he has the most promising draft odds. Of course, he might have a promise from some team (cough cough Lakers). But yeah, in a vacuum, I think Cam needed another year of college.

And lastly, Bronny. Drum roll please. I.... LIKE Bronny's decision to stay in the draft! I don't like that he ditched his NCAA eligibility, I think that was dumb, but overall, I like that he kept his name in the draft. People are obviously being hard on him because they feel his last name is carrying him. And while yes, the simple truth is that the LeBron bloodline is helping his career, he really impressed at the combine. He's an incredible athlete for his size, and has shown growth in his 3&D play. Best of luck to him and his career.

Thanks for reading!