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As we get closer to the NBA Draft Withdrawal Deadline, here are a few important decisions that change the landscape of the Big East next season. Players are incentivized to take as many workouts as they can, which is why a lot of these decisions will come down to the last minute.
Alex Karaban, UConn
Alex Karaban has one of the toughest draft decisions out there. Karaban’s combination of size and shooting ability makes him a highly coveted prospect. He’s also expanding his game and getting better on the defensive end and with his ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the bucket, something we might see more of if he chooses to return to UConn.
The general rule is if you are a first-round pick, you automatically have that multi-year guaranteed contract, which means you go pro. Karaban finds himself on the fringes of being a first-round pick, or an early second-rounder, where you don’t have that same guarantee. If Karaban is given a guarantee that he has that multi-year deal, it’s hard to say no.
If Karaban is to return to UConn, the Huskies could find themselves on track to win back-to-back Big East Titles, and he likely finds himself on some preseason All-American lists. If Karaban does return to UConn, this is his team, and he could find himself as a first-round pick next season, if he’s able to continue his development.
However, if Karaban leaves, the Huskies do not return a single starter from their National Championship team and will look to some bench players from a season ago to make a huge impact next season.
Eric Dixon, Villanova
Eric Dixon also has a pretty tough stay-or-go decision. He’s proven just about everything he can in college. It’s hard to do much better than 16/6, which are roughly the numbers Dixon has had the last two seasons.
Dixon is an effective player at all three levels, showing off a dribble-drive game this season that looked better than in past years. He’s very effective with his back to the basket, as every single Big East fanbase has learned, and his ability to step out and hit the three makes him a very tough cover for Big East opponents.
That said, it’s clear Dixon’s pro prospects are at the PF/4 position. At the next level, I think his role, in an ideal world, resembles Grant Williams, a do-it-all-four man with the space to bang inside if he needs to.
It’s been evident over the last few seasons that Dixon wants to play more four at Villanova, and I think that will be a factor if he decides to return. The Lance Ware experiment didn’t pan out as Nova fans would have liked. But if Dixon is going to return, I think Nova will have to find a five-man that will allow Dixon to play the four for stretches, which could show scouts he’s ready for that jump.
The Wildcats currently have five open scholarship spots (not counting Dixon), which makes Dixon’s potential return all that more valuable to Villanova.
Of note: Since Dixon did play in the Portsmouth Invitational, if he does return to school he could be faced with a three-game suspension. This would be the same suspension that Florida’s Zyon Pullin faced for participating at Portsmouth a year ago.
Dixon is a 2x All-Big East Player, and would certainly be on track to make it 3x if he is to return.
Jahmyl Telfort, Butler
It would be hard to overstate the impact Jahmyl Telfort had on Butler last season. With both Posh Alexander and DJ Davis electing to transfer, Telfort’s role could be even bigger. Telfort is a player who you can run offense through, he can get you a bucket at any time, find open teammates and guard your best player on the other end. He’s so cerebral with his play that he’s able to make plays look easy.
I was very surprised to not see Telfort get a G-League Combine invite, I think a lot of what he does can translate to the next level. His versatility should have him on some draft boards, but if he is to return and show that versatility off, a big season could lead to him getting better offers next season.
Telfort will be a huge piece for Butler, if he chooses to return. Butler has picked up some forward depth this offseason, but Telfort will be asked to have the ball in his hands a lot more. The offense will run a lot more through Telfort, which could allow him to show off his ability to put the ball on the floor and his underrated passing ability.
The duo of Pierre Brooks and Jahmyl Telfort (The Beefy Boys™, per our own Tommy Godin) would be one of the best wing duos in this conference, if Telfort returns, which I expect him to.
Wooga Poplar, Miami (Portal)
Poplar is from Philadelphia, PA, which has him atop Nova’s transfer target list. Poplar has visited Villanova, and will be a high-priority target from the Wildcats if he chooses to return to school. He seems to be interested in taking other visits (Kentucky, Arkansas, Oregon per rumors) after the recruiting dead period ends a week from today.
Poplar would add a lot to this Villanova, if he chooses to return to school and play for his hometown team.
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