Georgia’s Rayshaun Hammonds is doing what all good, productive basketball players do. He’s testing his value in the NBA draft.
The 6-foot-9 junior from Norcross made it official with an announcement on his Twitter feed on Friday.
Hammonds won’t hire an agent and can return for his senior season.
Hammonds’ prospects are interesting. He was the Bulldogs’ second-best offensive player behind Anthony Edwards, averaging 12.9 points and leading the team with 7.4 rebounds per game. He recorded five double-doubles, scored 26 points twice last season and scored a career-high 31 in a game during the previous season against Illinois State.
But, like Edwards, he was often inconsistent both offensively and defensively this past season.
With the freshman Edwards already entered in the draft, Hammonds could be an important piece for Georgia coach Tom Crean next season.
“This is something he’s wanted to do for some time and it’s his dream,” Crean said Friday. “My thoughts are to support him every way possible and to help him get the most quality information from the decision-makers so he can sort through what’s real versus what people may tell him that don’t have any decision-making power as far as where he stands. That’s the most important thing. Get the right information and evaluations so that he has the tools to make the best decision.”
Several years ago, the NCAA changed its rules so that draft-eligible underclassmen are able to fully explore their pro prospects while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. That allows them to travel to workouts and interviews and also participate in the NBA Combine, if invited.
Georgia sophomore Nic Claxton took advantage of the process last year and ended up deciding to enter the draft. He was selected with the first pick of the second round and is on the roster of the Brooklyn Nets.
Edwards declared for the draft last week and is considered a potential No. 1 pick.
Obviously, the effects of the travel limitations due to the coronavirus outbreak and the NBA’s shutdown complicate the situation for Hammonds and prospects like him.
“The process now still seems completely unclear as to how it will play out timing-wise for everyone involved,” Crean said. “My expectations for (Hammonds) are to keep working diligently and stay focused on the school work coming and to stay in great shape. Also, to build your skills where you can.”
Hammonds displayed great shooting range for a player of his size but was sometimes deficient on the defensive end and committed far too many turnovers (61) for his position.
Should he return, Hammonds would be one of the SEC’s most experienced players and a candidate for postseason honors.
Since signing with the Bulldogs as a 4-star prospect from Norcross High School, he has started 85 of 93 games, averaging nearly 26 minutes a game.
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