Canadian guard Karim Mane has declared for the 2020 NBA draft, just three days before the early entry deadline, he told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. For now, Mane is testing the draft waters without hiring an agent, suggesting he wants to get feedback on his stock directly from teams.
“If I can get a guarantee I’ll be drafted, I will probably need to think about staying in,” Mane said.
Viewed as a five-star recruit, Mane previously attended Vanier College in Quebec, turning 19 last May. Although he’s eligible to declare for the draft and go pro, he could end up choosing to attend a U.S. college instead. Michigan State, Marquette, Memphis, DePaul, and Pittsburgh are among the programs he’d consider in that scenario, per Givony.
According to Givony, Mane – who currently ranks second on ESPN’s list of international prospects born in 2000 – has strong physical tools, including a 6’10” wingspan. Givony adds that the young guard had an impressive showing at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Greece last summer and would have been in position to boost his stock at this year’s Nike Hoop Summit if the event hadn’t been canceled.
“NBA teams haven’t been able to see me that much because I played in Canada and was hurt most of the season,” Mane told ESPN. “They know I am a good athlete with a versatile skill-set for a point guard. They know my potential and how hard I work. I’ve heard people compare me to Jrue Holiday, who is a player I study quite a bit.
“… Hoop Summit would have been great to showcase myself,” he added. “I haven’t had enough of a chance to play in front of NBA teams because of my injury, but I am 100% and would like to show them the real me. Unfortunately people will have to settle for film now.”