USC big man Chimezie Metu has decided to enter the 2018 NBA draft, he announced last week (via Twitter). As Joey Kaufman of The Orange County Register details, the decision was expected, since Metu had sat out this month’s National Invitation Tournament in order to avoid a potential injury as he prepares for his professional career.
Metu, a junior, is expected to graduate early this spring and will forgo his final year of NCAA eligibility. After deciding last spring to return to USC for another season, Metu averaged 15.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 1.7 BPG in 34 games. He currently comes in at No. 37 on Jonathan Givony’s big board at ESPN.com.
Let’s round up a few more draft-related notes and news items…
- Greek guard Georgios Kalaitzakis has joined the ranks of 2018’s international early entrants, telling Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he’s declaring for the draft. “I am very happy with Panathinaikos, but I decided to enter the draft because it’s my dream to play in the NBA,” Kalaitzakis told ESPN. “With hard work and commitment, I think I will achieve my goal.”
- SMU swingman Jarrey Foster will test the draft waters without hiring an agent, he tells Givony (Twitter link). “This has been my dream ever since I started playing basketball,” said Foster, who averaged 13.2 PPG and 5.9 RPG in his junior year.
- After Marquette announced that sophomore center Harry Froling wouldn’t be returning to the program next season, Olgun Uluc of FoxSports.com.au hears that the Australian will hire an agent and begin his professional career.
- In a piece for NBA.com, TNT’s David Aldridge identifies 11 college prospects who impressed NBA scouts with their play during the NCAA tournament.