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2014 NBA Draft Rumors: Joel Embiid ‘seriously considering returning’ to Kansas

By Andrew Melnick

Jan 18, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) dunks the ball against Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Markel Brown (22) in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won 80-78. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) dunks the ball against Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Markel Brown (22) in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won 80-78. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) dunks the ball against Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Markel Brown (22) in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won 80-78. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) dunks the ball against Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Markel Brown (22) in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won 80-78. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Although his teammate, Kansas Jayhawks’ forward Andrew Wiggins, has already declared for the draft, that does not mean that center Joel Embiid is going to join him.

According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, Embiid is “seriously considering returning” to school next season.

"Tommy (Philadelphia, PA)What’s the latest info on whether or not Joel Embiid and/or Jabari Parker will enter the draft?Chad Ford (1:07 pm)Both are weighing their options. Both are seriously considering returning … with Parker so much so that several scouts are claiming he’s coming back to school. But I think that’s premature. They have time. The deadline is April 27th to decide. However, if they declare after April 15th, there’s no turning back. They’ll lose their college eligibility. Parker is really NBA ready. He could obviously improve if he stayed, but he’s a NBA starter from Day One. He’ll get minutes and playing against the best competition is the best way to improve. The only good reason for him to stay is because he loves college, wants to lead Duke to a NCAA Championship and is OK just waiting. But as far as development goes, the NBA is his best option. Embiid is a little different. He’s rawer and may not see the minutes Parker would see as a NBA rookie. He also has a big unknown with his back that could affect his draft stock if NBA doctors get wary. He would probably benefit more than Parker from returning for another year of college, but it’s really hard to turn down a Top 3 pick. I think both will probably declare at the end of the day, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they stayed either."

Embiid is ranked as the second best overall prospect (behind Wiggins) by Draft Express.

He averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.4 assists per game this season.

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