This is the time of year when college players declare their intentions for the NBA draft. The general rule is that if a player is projected as a lottery pick, the chances of him declaring for the draft are very high.
There are always exceptions. Last year, Latvia's Kristaps Porzingis, Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein and Louisville's Montrezl Harrell decided to return to school (or in Porzingis' case, back to his Spanish league team) despite being ranked as potential lottery picks. In 2013, Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart decided to return to school despite being ranked No. 2 on our Big Board.
In far too many cases, players ranked in the top 10 watch their draft stocks dip -- and in some cases plummet -- by staying in school another season.
The April 26 deadline for underclassmen and international players to declare for the 2015 NBA draft has passed, and the NBA has released an official list of who's in the draft. Here's our take on every significant college player that declared for the draft. Also of note: June 15 is the early entry withdrawal deadline.
IN THE DRAFT
Players who have officially declared for the 2015 NBA draft
Cliff Alexander, PF, Fr., Kansas
Alexander began the season ranked as a potential lottery pick. He's blessed with elite strength, athleticism and a terrific motor, and scouts expected him to dominate weaker, less athletic bigs in college. Alas, Alexander's lack of basketball IQ and height (just 6-foot-8) caused him to struggle, and for the most part, he was not a huge part of the Kansas offense. An NCAA investigation into his eligibility ended his season early, and it's likely that the investigation was a primary factor in his decision to declare for the draft, as Alexander risked being ineligible next season. Despite his question marks, some NBA teams still believe he has upside. He could go anywhere in the 20-to-40 range.
