Trying to determine when a college player should leave for the NBA can be a hit-or-miss proposition. How is his draft stock helped or hurt by his decision? How much can he improve on his weaknesses if he stays in college versus going to the NBA? Can he enter the league as a better player if he stays to play another year of college basketball?
While the 2016 NBA draft will be chock full of freshmen as usual, here are four college players who made that difficult decision to return to school in order to improve their draft status. I offer some ideas on areas where each can improve to make that happen:
Kris Dunn, Providence Friars (Jr., G, 6-3, 205)
Dunn was chosen the Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first guard in the league’s history to accomplish that feat. In fact, he dominated on both ends, averaging 15 points, almost 6 rebounds, almost 8 assists and nearly 3 steals per game.
Like many, I was surprised Dunn decided to return to Providence for his junior year. And it is not because he doesn't have areas he could improve on. He does. But more importantly, I thought that in his first completely healthy season as a Friar after two shoulder surgeries, his draft stock was rising.
But he returned, and while Dunn will be on many preseason All-America teams, there are some areas where he can become more ready for the NBA.
