Let it be known I’m not in the business of advising anyone – players, agents, coaches – on what to do or not to do. I am a media member and analyst first, foremost and only. Not a pocket-watcher. It is not my place to tell or decide for anyone what is best for themself. They are free to do and say and choose whatever they please.
As an analyst, though, my job involves a lot of reading tea leaves and projecting. So in the interest of breaking down the 2024 NBA Draft Combine last week in Chicago, my tea leaves have been read. I’ve updated my Big Board and will have a new mock draft later this week – but first I come bearing a timely update on all the prospects who I think should come back to school or face a tough stay-or-go decision.
Again: I am not an adviser. And each player has their own circumstances to consider when making these (often very tough) decisions based on scholarship availability, NIL situation, potential draft slot, guaranteed money and developmental plan. No decision is made in a vacuum.
But we’re hopping into a vacuum and making some decisions after their combine performances. I’ve landed on five players who should return to school and four whose decisions are too tough to call from the decision desk at this hour.
Let’s go.
Players who should return to school
Hunter Sallis | SG | Wake Forest: Sallis curiously ducked out of participating in the scrimmages at the combine after doing just OK in the shooting drills. He’s down in a range of the draft where he may or may not be in line to earn a guaranteed contract in the early to middle of the second round. Returning to school where he could likely cash in big as a potential All-American might be best, and another stellar year could further boost his stock to a place closer to the first round.
Bronny James | SG | USC: Two things are true of Bronny: he had a great combine and he probably would benefit from coming back to…
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