NCAA Sets Draft Withdrawal Deadline; Draft to be Held Oct. 15
The original deadline for underclassmen withdrawing from the NBA draft came and went on Wednesday.
But because of the coronavirus pandemic that has put the entire sports world on hold, along with everybody else, it's been uncertain when players such as NC State's D.J. Funderburk would have to make up their mind whether to stay in the draft or return to school.
That uncertainty won't last much longer.
On Thursday, the NCAA's Division I Men's Basketball Oversight Committee announced that the underclassmen still in the draft will have 10 days after the NBA Combine or Aug. 3 -- whichever comes first -- to withdraw and retain their college eligibility.
According to Dan Gavitt, the NCAA's Senior Vice President, the Aug. 3 date "allows a reasonable amount of time for all men’s basketball student-athletes to make a choice about starting a professional career."
The delayed draft will now be held on Oct. 15 with the draft lottery scheduled for Aug. 25. Dates for the Combine, or even if it will be held at all, has still not been determined.
The NCAA and NBA worked closely to give underclassmen as much time as possible to make an educated decision on theirprofessional opportunities, while also protecting their collegiate eligibility.
“This provides the utmost flexibility to student-athletes testing the waters to make the most informed decision about their future during this uncertain time,” Gavitt said. “And by deciding before classes start for the fall semester, it also encourages student-athletes who choose to return to school to be fully engaged in their academic pursuits and the tremendous experience and opportunity to play college basketball.”
Funderburk, a 6-foot-10 junior who ranked second on the Wolfpack in both scoring (12.8 ppg) and rebounding (6.1 rpg) last season while shooting 60.9% from the floor, isn't the only one anxious to find out when the new deadline will be.
Coach Kevin Keatts also has a vested interest in the subject.
With Funderburk's status still up in the air, he has continued to recruit prospective players for the upcoming season just in case. His most recent contact has been with 6-7 Delaware graduate transfer Justyn Mutts.
"In today's world, I can go to the (transfer) portal tonight and we could have five guys in the portal, not that it's going to happen," Keatts said on March 26. "What if (someone tells Funderburk) he's a late first round guy? You have to continue to recruit just in case those situations happen."
State has already lost its top incoming recruit, five-star wing Josh Hall to the draft. The fifth-year postgraduate prep player has announced his intention to sign with an agent and stay in the draft.
Junior guard Devon Daniels originally announced his intention to go through the draft process, but either decided not to submit his name or withdrew last month.
The NBA has announced plans to resume its coronavirus-interrupted season on July 21 with 22 teams playing eight regular season games before beginning an expanded playoff. All games will take place in Orlando.
Under the plan, the new 2020-21 season would start sometime in early December.
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