Ohio State junior Keita Bates-Diop has decided to declare for the NBA draft a year early, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reports that Bates-Diop is entering the 2018 draft pool. A formal announcement is expected later today, Wojnarowski adds.
While Wojnarowski’s report doesn’t specify whether or not Bates-Diop will hire an agent, Woj writes that the prospect will “pass on his final year of college eligibility,” which makes it sound like he doesn’t intend to return to school. Holding off on hiring an agent would give Bates-Diop the opportunity to withdraw from draft consideration later in the spring.
A 6’7″ forward, Bates-Diop enjoyed a breakout season for Ohio State in 2017/18, averaging 19.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 1.6 BPG with a shooting line of .480/.359/.794. As Wojnarowski notes, the youngster’s ability to play – and guard – multiple positions makes him an ideal fit for the modern NBA.
Bates-Diop currently ranks 19th on Jonathan Givony’s big board at ESPN.com. In Givony’s most recent mock draft, the Buckeye came off the board at No. 17 to the Pacers.