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Washington Huskies Jaylen Nowell To the NBA

By Herbert Nightingale

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 16: Jaylen Nowell #5 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Oregon Ducks during the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ducks defeated the Huskies 68-48. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 16: Jaylen Nowell #5 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Oregon Ducks during the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ducks defeated the Huskies 68-48. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Washington basketball’s star guard, and the Pac-12 Player of the Year has decided to declare for the NBA Draft

 Jaylen Nowell was named Pac-12 player of the year shortly after the Pac-12 tournament concluded. Nowell is currently projected as a 2nd pick in the draft, and he has not hired an agent so there is still a possibility of him returning to school.

Nowell’s scoring average was up to 16.2 points per game during his sophomore year, after averaging 16 during his first year. His shooting percentage also increased, going from 45.1 to 50.2%. Also, his shooting behind the 3 point line increased from 35.1% to 44%. Another year in college could have potentially helped these numbers even more, but Nowell believes he’s ready for the NBA.

Another area of his game increased from his freshman year was rebounding. His average went from four rebounds a game to 5.3. This probably won’t be a huge factor at the next level, but it’s definitely worth noting because he could find a way to utilize this at the next level.

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Nowell is a true combo guard, and has the ability to play both point and shooting guard at the next level. He’s an excellent passer, and he had more assists than David Crisp last season112 assists compared to Crisp’s 97. So he could play either position in the NBA. He showed playing with three senior starters that he had the leadership skills which should give him help in the NBA as well.

He can have a very successful career, especially if the team who picks him has a good head coach who can take full advantage of his talents. It will be fun to watch and see how he performs over the years. He still has until May 29th to change his mind and withdraw from the draft process.

With the Huskies losing four seniors it’s understandable that he decided to give the NBA a shot.  Improving his talent would take place better in the NBA. Thank you, Jaylen for staying at Washington, being a hometown hero, and bringing the Huskies back to the tournament!

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