Will any Washington Basketball players enter the 2018 NBA Draft?

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: The draft board is seen displaying picks 1 through 30 after the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Several Washington Basketball players had grand seasons, but will that translate into entering the 2018 NBA Draft? Not likely

Washington Basketball players dream of playing in the NBA, just like every other NCAA basketball player. And in recent years, the team has had some success launching players to the NBA. In 2016, both Marquese Chriss and Dejounte Murray landed in the NBA. In 2017, Markelle Fultz landed as the number one pick in the NBA Draft. But in 2018? Perhaps no Husky will take that leap.

And that’s okay for the Washington Huskies.

The Washington Basketball team surprised the PAC-12, and the entire nation, with their 21-13 record. While the team got an early boot from the Conference Tournament, they had some surprising success against very good teams this season. That did not happen all at once, but continued throughout the season.

Three C’s

Coach Mike Hopkins quickly assembled the right coaches, culture, and challenges to place the Washington Basketball team on the right track. All components were dependant upon the other. And the craftsmanship was impeccable. There was no time for do-overs, second-guessing, or even hesitation.

While that was nearly impossible to pull off, somehow Coach Hopkins found a way to do so. And that places quite a bit of intrigue into the mindsets of players who might be tempted to audition for the NBA this year. They can try this season, or double down and return for another season of play for the Washington Basketball team. Their 2019 NBA Draft stock will very likely rise considerably for doing so.

Dress rehearsal

While I don’t anticipate any players leaving for the NBA Draft, that won’t stop several from getting the experience of the NBA Combine. Noah Dickerson will do just that.

After talking it over with my family and coaches, I have decided to enter the NBA draft without… https://t.co/h5D4nLBKCA
— Noah Dickerson (@NDickerson15) March 29, 2018

Others may follow suit. And as long as NCAA eligible players do not hire an agent, they can declare for the NBA Draft but return to the NCAA. It’s a chance for NBA hopeful players to earn valuable experience and feedback on what to work on for the upcoming season to help their chances. Do not be surprised if other Huskies make similar announcements.

Next: Grading the 2017-18 Washington Basketball team

But I will be surprised if any players follow it through. The 2018 NBA Mock Drafts have already been cast for a long period of time, and the names of Washington Players have not cracked any reiterations. Don’t get me wrong, I think a number of Washington players are fully deserving of NBA opportunities. I simply expect those opportunities are better for the players in 2019. We’ll see how it plays out.

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