Miami, Kentucky guards among players planning to declare for NBA Draft

Miami Hurricanes wing Kyshawn George intends to enter his name in the 2024 NBA Draft pool, he said in a French interview with BeIN Sports (h/t Inside The U).

A 6-foot-8 swingman, George started 16 of the 31 games he played for Miami in his freshman season. While his averages of 7.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 23.0 minutes per contest were relatively modest, the youngster can handle the ball and has displayed a promising outside shot, having knocked down 40.8 percent of 4.2 three-pointers per game. 

He currently ranks 25th on ESPN’s big board of 2024 prospects, making him a potential first-rounder.

It’s unclear at this point whether George plans to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility or if he’ll test the waters for now, leaving the door open for a potential return to school.

Kentucky wing Justin Edwards — another freshman who has a chance to be a first-round pick — also indicated he plans to declare for the 2024 draft, making his announcement on Instagram. Edwards’ statement didn’t mention anything about maintaining his college eligibility, so it sounds like he intends to go pro.

ESPN’s No. 30 overall prospect, Edwards averaged 8.8 PPG and 3.4 RPG on .486/.365/.776 shooting in 32 games (21.4 MPG) for the Wildcats in 2023-24. 

He’s one of several Kentucky players who have a chance to be drafted in 2024 — that group includes probable lottery picks Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard.

The following prospects are also said to be declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft as early entrants while hanging onto their NCAA eligibility (players marked with an asterisk are also entering the transfer portal):

• Aziz Bandaogo, C, Cincinnati (senior) 
  • Note: Bandaogo says he’s testing the draft, but plans to finish his college career at Cincinnati.
• Lamont Butler, G, San Diego State (senior) (via Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress)
• Wesley Cardet Jr., G/F, Chicago State (junior) (via Chepkevich)
• Johnell Davis, G, Florida Atlantic (senior) *
• Norchad Omier, F, Miami (FL) (senior) (via Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports)
• Great Osobor, F, Utah State (junior) (via Joe Tipton of On3 Sports) *
• Max Shulga, G, VCU (senior) (via Rothstein)
• Trey Townsend, F, Oakland (senior) (via Jonathan Givony of ESPN) *
• Jaylen Wells, F, Washington State (junior)
• Terrance Williams II, F, Michigan (senior)
• JZ Zaher, G, Bowling Green State (sophomore)