Texas freshman, potential top-10 pick Myles Turner declares for NBA draft
Everything's bigger in Texas, including the power forwards.
Texas forward Myles Turner, a near-7-footer with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, is calling an end to his brief career in Austin, announcing on his Twitter account on Monday that he'll leave the Longhorns, declaring for the NBA Draft.
The 240-pound freshman and Bedford, Texas, native posted a video announcing his decision to YouTube, thanking Texas fans for their support.
The news of his departure comes a day after his coach Rick Barnes and the Longhorns decided to mutually part ways, though the two matters may be unrelated given Turner's considerable draft stock.
While his modest numbers – he averaged 10.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks while shooting 45.5 percent – don't jump off the page, Turner is expected to get looks from NBA teams selecting in the top-10. DraftExpress ranks Turner as their No. 12 prospect and ESPN draft guru Chad Ford ranks him 10th.
Turner's ridiculous length and shot-blocking acumen make him an enticing defensive prospect at the next level, even if his relative lack of strength leaves him wanting on his own glass. He can run the floor well, has a deft touch around the rim and has the makings of a long-range jump shot. Even if it's not ready for primetime, that's an impressive offensive base from which to work.
In short, a Turner pick is a gamble on upside over floor, and he'll be right there with Kevon Looney and Kristaps Porzingis as one of the top fours off the board.