According to a report in Montreal, ASU basketball’s Luguentz Dort will declare for the 2019 NBA Draft. Here’s what that means for Dort and the Sun Devils.
Just 12 days after Arizona State’s loss to Buffalo in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, freshman guard Luguentz Dort has reportedly made a decision about his future.
According to Nancy Audet, a journalist at TVA Sports in Dort’s hometown of Montreal, Canada, the 6-foot-4 guard will declare for June’s NBA Draft. Per the report, an official announcement is set to come next week in Montreal.
At the time of this article’s release, sources around Arizona State have not confirmed Audet’s report. Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com reported Thursday morning that Dort was “getting to the end” of the deliberation process, but had not yet reached a decision.
If it is affirmed, Dort will have taken the initial steps to becoming the first “one-and-done” player in ASU’s history. Doug Haller of The Athletic revealed that Dort’s final decision will likely come down to if he projects as a first-round pick, a feat not accomplished by a Sun Devil since James Harden (No. 3) in 2009.
Depending on Dort’s decision, he may not lose collegiate eligibility. He has until May 29 to officially withdraw from the draft. Until then, he could begin a search for an NCAA-certified agent, who “can pay for meals and transportation for players and their families if the expenses are related to the agent selection process,” per the NCAA.
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That process can only be initiated after requesting evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee. The deadline to do so is April 11.
Once an agreement is reached, Dort could have “meals, transportation and lodging paid for by the agent if those expenses are associated with meetings with the agent or a pro team,” according to the NCAA. That relationship would not be revoked unless the player misses class or accepts unauthorized benefits from an agent or any individual.
This is the route that Dort is likely to take. Here, he can receive workouts with NBA teams, participate in the NBA Draft Combine (May 14 — May 19) and then have a full 10 days to evaluate his draft standing.
Throughout the season, Dort’s stock has ranged from mid-first round to early second. However, Dort’s name was not listed in the first round of the latest mock drafts from NBADraft.net and Bleacher Report.
In his freshman season, Dort’s game centered around his pressure defense and physical dominance. He averaged a team-leading 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 34 games played, receiving honors on the All-Pac-12 Defensive Team and as the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.
Devils in Detail’s full scouting report of Dort can be seen here.
If Dort does slide in the draft, it won’t be because of his physical gifts. It will likely be attributed to his erratic play. In Pac-12 games, he averaged 5.5 turnovers per 100 possessions (17.8%) and shot 29 percent from 3-point range.
Understandably, his decision holds a lot of weight for next season’s ASU team. If he returns, the Sun Devils will have two all-conference guards (Remy Martin) and will be the only Pac-12 team to do so. That would likely revive the ‘Guard U’ mantra, as the two would be play alongside Rob Edwards in his senior season and incoming playmakers Alonzo Verge and Jaelen House.
Dort’s presence would also open opportunities for 7-foot-1 Uros Plavsic, who will be eligible after redshirting this season. Forward Romello White will also return.
All help will be beneficial as the Pac-12 is reloaded next season. Arizona and USC bring in the No. 1 and No. 4 recruiting classes, respectively, per 247Sports.com, and Oregon and UCLA will have returning talent.
ASU is already losing seniors Zylan Cheatham, an All-Pac-12 First Team selection, and a premiere shot blocker in De’Quon Lake. If Dort is next, coach Bobby Hurley will have to rebuild his team’s physical identity, as three of his top four rebounders would be off the roster.