5 most significant NBA Draft early entry decisions

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Several players are leaving college early after signing with agents, which ones matter the most?

Early entry decisions for the NBA Draft can have a significant effect on college basketball teams preparing for the next season. Players who declare for the draft have two options. They can either enter without an agent, leaving open the possibility of returning to school, or they can sign with an agent, thus ending their collegiate careers. As it is every year, several players have opted to forgo their final seasons of collegiate eligibility to pursue professional careers.

Many of those entries that involve signing with an agent were expected, but they still have ramifications for the teams these NBA prospects are leaving behind. Here’s a look at the most significant early entry decisions — defined by either the player’s importance to their former team or their ability to be replaced — with a look at what it means for their former teams in 2017-18.

Jan 27, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) during the second half against the Baylor Bears at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Baylor won 69-65. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State

It wasn’t much of a surprise when Oklahoma State point guard Jawun Evans entered the draft shortly after the NCAA Tournament. As a sophomore, he averaged 19.2 points and 6.4 assists per game as he led the Cowboys to the top offense in the country based on adjusted efficiency. That’s enough to get anyone noticed by NBA franchises. Add in the fact that his head coach Brad Underwood left the school after just one year to take the head coaching job at Illinois and everything sort of fell into place for Evans to make an exit.

Without the 20-year old leading the way, it’s hard to imagine Oklahoma State replicating the success it had this season even with the return of breakout wing Jeffrey Carroll. Evans was the critical piece that made everything move for the Cowboys’ offense. Not only did he finish 33.4 percent of their possessions (12th nationally) with a shot attempt or a turnover, but he also assisted on 44.1 percent (3rd nationally) of their baskets when he was on the court.

Carroll’s decision to return is a bright spot, but it’s going to be difficult to replace Evans. Rising sophomore Brandon Averette figures to get most of the run at point guard next season. Oklahoma State will also add Zack Dawson, a four-star recruit out of Florida.