Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid has become the frontrunner to be taken first overall in the NBA Draft this year as long as one thing happens--he declares for it.
Embiid is averaging 10.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game this year and has eclipsed his more ballyhooed freshman teammate Andrew Wiggins. The stats themselves don't exactly leap off the page, but at a lithe seven feet and 250 lbs., Embiid has the look and athleticism of an elite NBA rim protector.
According to ESPN's NBA draft analyst Chad Ford, Embiid is likely most team's top choice.
"He wasn't great on Saturday," one league executive said after a recent loss to Texas in which Embiid struggled, "but you still saw so many positives. His footwork is outstanding. He moves like a guard. He doesn't back down. He's making mistakes, but all ones that are very fixable. I love him."
Despite the high praise thrown at him, and the promise of significant money Embiid thinks his best bet might be staying in school for his sophomore season. He recognizes that there are holes in his game, and sources say his family in Cameroon is not desperate for money.
"I'm not even thinking about it right now," Embiid said. "I'll make a decision after the season, but I'm definitely considering coming back to school." It makes sense that he doesn't feel ready to flourish at the pro level yet; the 19-year-old has only been playing organized basketball for three years.
Still, Embiid also said whether he stays or not will depend on his development as the season progresses. His head coach Bill Self, who surely is hoping deep down Embiid stays, is trying to focus on the current season.
"He's a bright young man and he's going to weigh his options," Self said. "He's considering coming back and he's obviously also considering leaving. He can't make a bad decision."
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