Feb 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Noah Vonleh (center) looks to pass as Wisconsin Badgers guard Traevon Jackson (12) and forward Frank Kaminsky (right) defend at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Indiana 69-58. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Regarded as likely one of the deepest draft in recent memory, the summer of 2014 will offer many teams a chance to alter their franchise. However, there still remains the chance that some of these college players who are underclassmen won’t declare for the draft, but late Sunday night, one highly-rated prospect made his decision.
Noah Vonleh of Indiana University told CBS Sports that he’d be entering the draft.
Indiana freshman Noah Vonleh just told @CBSSports by phone that he will enter the 2014 NBA Draft. Story coming …
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) March 24, 2014
Vonleh is the first big name to declare for the draft. As a forward/center, Vonleh didn’t put up eye-popping numbers for IU this year, but possesses the thing NBA scouts and GMs love most: potential. His huge wingspan and long frame has scouts drooling at the mouth.
Vonleh is most often projected in the 5th to 15th area of the draft, which is likely to be in the Lakers wheelhouse. Vonleh himself said he’s been told he’d be picked anywhere from 4th to 12th. With the Lakers currently projected to pick at 6th, Vonleh is a very real possibility to be in purple and gold next fall.
For more information on Vonleh, you can read a comparison between Aaron Gordon and Vonleh, or a complete breakdown of Vonleh’s game, including some pros and cons.
Stay tuned to Lake Show Life for more draft prospects declaring and more breakdowns of the prospects.