UCF forward Taylor Hendricks has decided to declare for the 2023 NBA draft and forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility, he tells Jonathan Givony of ESPN. He has signed with agent Raymond Brothers, the president of Roc Nation Sports’ basketball division.
A freshman in 2022/23, Hendricks averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in 34 appearances (34.7 MPG) for UCF. He also posted a solid shooting line of .478/.394/.782 during his first and only college season.
As Givony observes, Hendrick wasn’t considered a top-50 player in his high school recruiting class, but has emerged as a potential lottery pick due to his strong year at UCF. He’s currently the No. 12 prospect on ESPN’s big board for 2023.
According to Givony, NBA scouts have been impressed by Hendricks’ ability to make outside shots and his defensive versatility, as well as his “high-level intensity.” Teams are also optimistic about his potential to adjust to the next level due to the fact that he can be productive and efficient without needing plays called for him, Givony adds.
For his part, Hendricks doesn’t sound like he’s sweating whether or not he’ll be selected in the lottery — or perhaps even the top 10.
“It doesn’t matter where I’m drafted,” Hendricks said. “I’ll be there for a reason. I will make the best of any situation.”
Wait, the NBA is drafting UFC fighters? Whoa. Amazed this guy did it while in college.