This week’s NBA Scouting Combine and G-League Elite Camp isn’t just about next month’s draft. It will also impact next year’s college basketball season. Several difference-makers are in Chicago still uncertain about their future. A strong few days could lead them to stay in the draft or a poor showing could send them back to the college ranks. The Post’s Zach Braziller takes a look at some of the players with big decisions to make by the June 1 deadline:
Fr. G Patrick Baldwin Jr., Milwaukee
A projected lottery pick before the season, the 6-foot-9 Baldwin struggled playing for his father at Milwaukee. He still could wind up working his way into the late teens or early 20s, or become a hot commodity in the transfer portal.
Jr. F Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana
Somewhat undersized for a post player at the next level, and without much shooting range, the 6-9 Jackson-Davis may be better served by another year in Bloomington, where he would be paired with a top-10 recruiting class. The Hoosiers could, at least on paper, be among the best teams in the Big Ten in that scenario.
Fr. G Trevor Keels, Duke
At his best, Keels looks the part. He has a pro body and an attacking mindset. Consistency, however, eluded him in his one year at Duke — particularly on the defensive end and as a 3-point shooter — making this week significant for him to prove himself worthy of a first-round selection.
So. F, Justin Lewis, Marquette
A projected second-round pick who was invited to the main combine, the 6-7 Lewis took a major leap this past season, more than doubling his scoring output from his freshman to sophomore year and significantly raising his shooting percentages across the board. Marquette is a sure-fire NCAA Tournament team if he returns; otherwise, Shaka Smart’s second year at the Big East school likely will be worse than his first.
So. G Baylor Scheierman, Creighton
An elite-shooting 6-6 guard who led the nation in 3-point percentage at 46.9, the South Dakota State transfer struggled on Day 1 of the G-League camp, one scout told The Post. If Scheierman goes back to college, already loaded Creighton would have one of the nation’s premier rosters.
So. G Dalen Terry, Arizona
A 3-and-D wing if the long and athletic Terry continues to develop his outside shot. Teams may be willing to take an early second-round flier on the 6-7 sophomore now, but one more year at Arizona and Terry could play his way into the lottery in 2023.
Sr. F Drew Timme, Gonzaga
The 6-10, two-time All-American hasn’t ruled out a return for his fourth season in Spokane. He doesn’t fit into the NBA’s new-age mold for big men, and Gonzaga’s early exit from the NCAA Tournament and lucrative Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities could be a factor if his uncertain status doesn’t get a boost this week.
So. F Jaylin Williams, Arkansas
The bouncy and rangy 6-10 forward’s stock has risen following a strong close to his sophomore season, to the point he’s being mocked in the tail end of the first round. The expectation is he stays in the draft, particularly with a solid showing at the combine.