Purdue guard Jaden Ivey plans to enter the 2022 NBA Draft, he announced on social media (via Twitter). He’s currently No. 4 on ESPN’s big board.
The sophomore standout didn’t specify whether he will hire an agent and thus lose his remaining college eligibility, but it would be shocking if he went back to school considering he’s projected to be a top-five pick in the draft.
After averaging 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists on .399/.258/.726 shooting as a freshman (24 games, 24.2 minutes), Ivey emerged as one of the best players in the country this season, averaging 17.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG and 3.1 APG on .460/.358/.744 shooting (36 games, 31.4 minutes per contest).
Ivey helped lead Purdue to a 29-8 record and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament in 2021/22, where they ultimately lost in the Sweet Sixteen to the historic No. 15 seed, Saint Peter’s.
Standing 6’4″ with a nearly 6’10” wingspan, Ivey is an electric athlete and considered one of the most physically gifted prospects in the draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Ivey improved his perimeter shooting and picked his spots better as a sophomore, but still struggled at times as a decision-maker.
Ivey’s physical tools theoretically point to great defensive potential, but Givony states that Ivey frequently lost focus on the less-glamorous end of the court, especially off the ball. Still, he’s a special athlete who’s able to shift gears and blow past opponents, which could translate well to the more open, pace-and-space NBA game.
From South Bend to West Lafayette to Indianapolis, future Pacer Jaden Ivey is well on his way to being an Indiana basketball legend
Pacers ????? I doubt he lasts.
He should go top 3. Has been schooled to be a baller since a kid. He has plenty of upside. NBA is going to bring out his best.
Pistons, Magic, Kings all could take him.
Pistons need go JUMP if he’s available, no matter where the pick will be determined. Cunningham/Ivey/Bey would be really nice in a few years. I really think it should be him based on how the roster is constructed. He reminds me of Beal when he initially came out, and Wall needed a running mate next to him.
Beal?! Ivey is not innately smooth or spontaneous like Beal was/is. He was learning moves tho.
Explosion on tap… rare energy.