With new rules in place for college players eyeing their NBA prospects, it’s no surprise that Syracuse freshman guard Malachi Richardson has submitted his name to be draft eligible ahead of the April 24 deadline to declare, the university announced in a story published on its athletic department website Monday afternoon.
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim indicated that Richardson will not sign with an agent.
“With the new rules, it’s an opportunity for Malachi to get a better understanding of where he would be in the draft,” Boeheim said in the story.
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Richardson started all 37 games during his freshman year playing some 34 minutes a game, averaging 13.4 points, and 4.3 rebounds. His rookie season was highlighted by a stellar second half and career-high 23 points, including six 3-pointers, in the memorable comeback win against top seed, and ACC nemesis Virginia in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight to earn the Orange’s sixth Final Four berth.
The NBA invites college prospects to its draft combine in Chicago, May 11-15, and prospects can also tryout with one NBA team. Richardson must decide by May 25 whether to return to school for his sophomore season, or remain draft eligible.
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