Junior Walter Pitchford, a center for the University of Nebraska, intends to enter the 2015 NBA draft, Brian Rosenthal of The Lincoln Journal Star reports. “I have put my past frustration of this past year aside and will do what is in my best interest in life,” Pitchford wrote in his official statement. “Basketball is my life. Moving forward, I will be pursuing my lifelong goal of playing professional basketball and will be entering into the 2015 NBA Draft.” The center was presumably referring to a difficult junior season that saw his shooting percentages plummet. Pitchford said he’s in the process of finding an agent and will be filing necessary paperwork with the NBA next week, Rosenthal notes.
Pitchford enters an NBA draft loaded with talented big men, which doesn’t bode well for his chances to be selected in June. He is not among the top 100 prospects on Chad Ford of ESPN.com‘s (Insider subscription required) or Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress‘ rankings. The center appears ticketed for the NBA D-League or an overseas deal if he wishes to continue his professional career, though that is merely my speculation.
The 6’10, 22-year-old began his college career at Florida, appearing in 13 games during the 2011/12 season for coach Billy Donovan‘s Gators. He then transferred to Nebraska and appeared in 62 contests for the team after sitting out the 2012/13 season. Pitchford’s career stats are an underwhelming 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks in 21.0 minutes per night. His career shooting numbers are .423/.343/.610.