Purdue big man Caleb Swanigan opts to stay in 2017 NBA Draft

Sources confirm Caleb Swanigan has decided to leave Purdue after just one season and enter the 2017 NBA Draft.

So much for just testing the murky waters. Caleb Swanigan has decided to stay in the incredibly deep 2017 NBA Draft. The decision as it stands appears questionable as there is a big chance he winds up in the 2nd round.

In the latest version of the FanSided 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Swanigan did not make the cut among first round selections.

Jeff Goodman of ESPN broke the news regarding the Purdue big man:

"“Purdue’s Caleb Swanigan is staying in the NBA Draft, source told ESPN. I had one GM tell me they think he is most underrated guy in draft.”"

Swanigan, otherwise known as Biggie, is an old school low post presence. At 6-foot-9, 247 lbs., Swanigan reminds me a bit of Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies with his ability to shoot the ball in the mid-range game as well. For a team looking for a physical player down low, Swanigan is absolutely worth the gamble. His biggest improvement will likely need to be improved shooting as he only connected on 35.1 percent of his spot-up mid-range jumpers.

In what is regarded as a deep draft, it’s possible that the former Purdue hoops star becomes a steal in the 2nd round. His 7-foot-4 wingspan gives him the potential to be a dominant rim protector in the NBA if he can continue to develop. Most of his college production came in the post as one of the most dominant inside scorers the past year. He may be a bit slow-footed but the freshman is oozing with the potential to be a difference maker in the future.

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In his one and done collegiate season with Purdue, Swanigan averaged 10.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He also propelled Purdue to a Sweet 16 appearance as the team’s best player.