Gophers' Cam Christie exploring NBA draft process while maintaining eligibility
Christie was the U's second-leading scorer last season.
Standout Gophers men’s basketball freshman Cam Christie announced Friday on social media that he is entering the NBA draft process while maintaining his college eligibility.
“It has always been a dream of mine to make it to the NBA. Today, I am honored to share that I am entering the 2024 NBA draft process,” Christie said in a statement posted to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am eager to receive feedback from the NBA on my game. I want to express my gratitude to my family, teammates, Coach Johnson and his entire staff, all the incredible Gopher fans for their support throughout the past basketball season.
“As I go through this process, I will maintain my college eligibility. I am ready for the new challenges ahead and I appreciate everyone’s continued support.”
Christie was the Gophers’ second-leading scorer last season at 11.3 points per game. He quickly impressed throughout the year, working his way into the starting lineup and becoming a key piece of a Gophers team that made significant strides from the previous season.
The freshman from Arlington Heights, Ill., shot 40.3% from the field and 39.1% from 3-point range, where he knocked down 70 shots. He started 26 games for the Gophers and was twice named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. He’s the first Gopher since Amir Coffey, now a Los Angeles Clipper, to made the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Christie maintaining his eligibility leaves the door open for him to return to the Gophers next season, but if he doesn't, the U will be down two starters from a season ago. The Gophers recently lost one starter in big man Pharrel Payne, who entered the NCAA transfer portal.
