No big surprise: UNLV’s Bennett close to announcing NBA decision
Allergy season is arriving, the Earth will continue rotating toward the east, and in another breaking news story, UNLV freshman Anthony Bennett is close to announcing he will enter the NBA Draft.
It has been assumed since at least December that Bennett, a 6-foot-8-inch forward, would be a one-and-done college player. The only mystery is when he will make it official.
According to a CBSSports.com report Sunday, Bennett’s announcement is coming “sometime in the next week.”
Bennett, a Findlay Prep product, averaged 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds for the Rebels (25-10). He started 32 of 35 games, coming off the bench in the final three regular-season games because of a sore left shoulder.
When asked last week about his NBA future, Bennett said, “It’s still a big decision for me. I like the city of Vegas, I like the fans, the coaching staff and teammates are great. I’m going to take that into consideration when I make my decision.”
But the biggest factor in his decision is this: Bennett is projected to be a top-five pick in the draft, which will be held June 27 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Bennett shot 53.3 percent from the field, including a team-high 37.5 percent from 3-point range.
He had 15 points and 11 rebounds Thursday, when UNLV lost its NCAA Tournament opener to California 64-61 at San Jose, Calif.
Andy Grossman, UNLV’s assistant athletic director for media relations and communications, said Sunday there is no date set for a possible news conference for Bennett to announce his intentions.
Rebels senior point guard Anthony Marshall also is considered an NBA prospect, and junior forward Mike Moser said he is considering the option of turning pro.
The early entry eligibility deadline for the draft is April 28.
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247.
