2023 NBA Draft: Recapping Top College Returners

A brief summary of a wild week in the NBA’s pre-draft process.

Around this time every year, many prospects withdraw from the draft to return to college ahead of the withdrawal deadline. This is usually the result of a lack of buzz around their name from NBA teams. As such, the players make use of their existing eligibility to bet on themselves to improve their draft stock in the next college season.

This week, many big names decided to return to school and take their chances again in the 2024 draft process. Here’s a quick recap of the big-name returners who announced their decision this week.

Terrence Shannon Jr.

In his senior season, his first for Illinois, Shannon Jr. had one of the best campaigns in the Big Ten. He averaged 17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals. To solidify mid-first round status, the explosive 6-foot-6 wing will likely need to improve upon his 32.1% 3-point shooting.

Zach Edey

Last year’s national player of the year will look to go back-to-back as a senior at Purdue. After boasting one of the best dominant seasons in recent memory, Edey will look to display more translatable skills to NBA front offices.

Judah Mintz

Mintz was quietly one of the best freshmen in the country this past year, averaging 16.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. His next step is find his spots on the floor to score points, whether that be outside or inside the arc.

Arthur Kaluma

Coming into his sophomore season, Kaluma had lots of hype coming off the strong end to his freshman year and impressive international play for Nigeria. However, the Creighton wing didn’t quite live up to expectations. After hitting the transfer portal, Kaluma will look to bounce back and utilizes his tools to provide more consistent impact in a new environment.

Trey Alexander

Alexander, Kaluma’s teammate at Creighton, will return Omaha for his junior season. The crafty guard improved his scoring average by over six points last season and will strive to continue this upwards trend as an upperclassman.

Grant Nelson

As the result of a viral tweet, Nelson spawned onto NBA radars this season for his intriguing fluidity and ball-handling as a 7-footer. The former South Dakota State is looking to transfer for his senior season and show off his game in front of more eyes.

DaRon Holmes II

Holmes II announced he’ll be returning to Dayton for his junior season. Already flaunting a decorated trophy case, he averaged 18.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. However, as an undersized big, he has his work cut out for him to prove to NBA teams that his success is replicable at the highest level

Dillon Mitchell

Out of high school, Mitchell was regarded as one of the best incoming freshmen due to his rare athletic tools . He impacted winning on a top-tier Texas team, but didn’t really show as much upside as desired. With more responsibility, Mitchell will look to display better flashes of excellence in year two.

Coleman Hawkins

The second Fighting Illini on this list, Hawkins broke out in his junior season. His stats improved all across the board, and he earned draft hype as a result. The versatile big man will look to continue his journey as a senior.

Reece Beekman

Beekman, a 6-foot-3 point guard, won ACC Defensive Player of the Year in his junior season at Virgina. He’ll attempt to make use of his senior season to show NBA teams has has enough skill outside of his defense and passing to thrive in the league.

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