Pitt's Bub Carrington Can Improve Stock in School

One NBA draft analyst believes Bub Carrington can become a lottery pick if he spends one more season with the Pitt Panthers.

PITTSBURGH -- Pitt Panthers guard Bub Carrington has been labeled an NBA talent since recording a triple-double in his collegiate debut in November and bookending his freshman season with a 20-point, 4-assist night in the ACC semifinals against then-No. 4 North Carolina only grew the hype. 

But according to The Athletic Draft analyst Sam Vecenie, Carrington's stock could rise if he returns to Pitt for his sophomore season. He has Carrington being selected 25th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in his latest mock draft, but only if he opts to stay in the class of 2024. 

"Carrington’s best games make him look like a future lottery pick, which could end up happening in 2025 if he decides to return to school," Vecenie wrote. "His worst games make him seem like a player who will be stuck in the G League for multiple years as he learns how to attack and make decisions. ...  I’m not convinced he stays in the 2024 class. But in light of his ACC tournament performance, NBA teams are excited to get him into their building and learn more about how he thinks the game and how much he can improve his jumper."

Vecenie added that this year, Carrington could go anywhere from 20th to 45th in the draft but any team that takes him would likely view it as a long-term project. They'd need patience to help Carrington hone his tools and maximize his immense talents. 

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