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Today, sophomore guard, Carsen Edwards, announced that he will enter the 2018 NBA Draft, but will not hire an agent, which gives him the option to return to Purdue for his junior season.
RELEASE: #Purdue’s Carsen Edwards to test #NBADraft process; will not hire agent. #BoilerUp
— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) March 26, 2018
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This was an expected move from Edwards, as the NCAA and NBA have allowed collegiate athletes to enter the NBA Draft but with the option to return if they did not hire an agent. Caleb Swanigan, Vincent Edwards, and Isaac Haas have done this at least once, with only Swanigan opting to stay in the draft after his sophomore season in 2017.
Edwards has until May 30th to make his final draft decision.
This is a great move for Edwards, as he has already shown his All-American potential this season surpassing Rick Mount’s sophomore scoring record, and has become a household name. This will allow Edwards to receive critical feedback regarding his play, which he can implement next season at Purdue if he were to return.
While I don’t know much about the NBA process, I’d say the chances of Carsen returning are 99% (probably higher). If his stock improves before the deadline, he chooses to go into the NBA, and is drafted, that could be good for Purdue recruiting wise. Yes, Purdue would take a hit next season without Edwards as all five starters would be departing, but Coach Painter can show that he is able to get underclassmen, like Swanigan and Edwards, into the NBA, something that could help boost his reputation among potential recruits.
With his announcement today, we can officially begin #BoogieWatch2018.