No Florida State player has entered the NBA draft after only one season of college basketball.
Until now.
Florida State release:Florida State freshman Malik Beasley will enter the 2016 NBA Draft, head coach Leonard Hamilton said Monday.
“Malik is a wonderful young man and we are very happy for him and his family,” said Hamilton. “He enjoyed a great freshman year and we are looking forward to watching him as he realizes his dreams. He was an outstanding player for our basketball team, is a young man of tremendous character and is an extremely hard worker. We are behind Malik and know he will be successful in everything he does because he is such a quality person both on and off the basketball court.”
Beasley could return to Florida State if he doesn’t hire an agent, but the wording of this statement sure sounds as if he’s intent on turning pro.
Beasley projects as a borderline first-round pick.
He’s a solid outside shooter with a nice first step. He works hard to get to his spots to take efficient shots.
Just don’t ask him to create for himself or others. Not only is he a suspect ball-handler and distributor, he lacks agility on his drives.
Those agility limitations also translate to defense, where Beasley’s 6-foot-5 frame could provide additional problems.
The NBA features so many point guards who excel dominating the ball, Beasley should find a role next to one. He can get open, spot-up and attack when the defense is vulnerable to his first step. A complementary role could suit him well offensively, though the pesky defensive questions remain.
Once teams pick all the players who show potential for primary roles, I’d take a chance on Beasley.