Projected first-round pick Taylor Hendricks to declare for draft, forgo eligibility
UCF freshman Taylor Hendricks on Wednesday told Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he will declare for the 2023 NBA draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility.
Hendricks was named to the American Athletic Conference second team after averaging 15.1 points, seven rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.4 assists on 39.4% shooting from 3-point range. He led the AAC in blocks and was ninth in the country in scoring among all freshmen.
The 6-foot-9 forward is projected to be a first-round pick this year. He impacts games on both ends of the court and is a great fit in the modern game given his ability to shoot. He was one of two players in the country with at least 60 3-pointers and 55 blocks.
Hendricks dazzled this season with his size and athleticism and emerged as a real shot-blocking threat with his long arms and instincts. On the other side, he is a great lob threat. He also has great hands and has good vision out of the post to find his teammates.
He has all of the tools to be successful on the court and off of it and could be a lottery pick on June 22. He checks a lot of boxes and seems to be a lock to become the Knights’ first first-round pick.
