Wichita State’s Dexter Dennis to test NBA Draft waters, maintain college eligibility
Wichita State guard Dexter Dennis announced on his social media accounts Thursday afternoon that he is entering his name in the 2020 NBA Draft but plans to maintain his college eligibility with the option of returning for his junior season with the Shockers.
Dennis, a 6-foot-5 prospect from Baker, Louisiana, averaged 9.2 points and 5.0 rebounds this season for WSU. But he played better once conference competition began, averaging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds and making 39% of his three-pointers.
“After talking with my family and the coaching staff, we thought it’d be best if I entered my name in the 2020 NBA Draft,” Dennis wrote. “I’m looking forward to familiarizing myself with this process, gathering feedback from NBA teams and getting my name out there. I will continue to maintain my college eligibility with the option to return to college my junior year.”
Many Shockers in recent history have tested the NBA Draft waters, most recently Shaquille Morris (2017) and Markis McDuffie (2017 and 2018), who both eventually returned to WSU to complete their careers. Landry Shamet is the only player to declare and leave early from WSU, as he was picked No. 26 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
WSU coach Gregg Marshall offered up his support of Dennis’ decision shortly after in a statement.
“Dexter’s ultimate goal is to become an NBA player and this is the first step,” Marshall said. “We have been discussing this option with him for a while now and agree that he needs to test the waters like so many of our players in the recent past. I have always believed that he has a great chance to eventually play at the next level and gaining this experience is paramount. It’s an opportunity for him to get used to the workouts and find out what NBA executives think of him. We will continue to support Dexter through this process.”
Dennis is not currently projected to be an NBA Draft pick, but the decision comes with no risk and nothing but upside for the 21-year-old.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s unlikely that he will be able to work out in front of NBA teams this spring. But he will be able to receive feedback directly from NBA scouts from the film of his first two seasons with the Shockers, and find out specifically what he needs to improve upon to someday play in the NBA.
Once Dennis requests an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee, he will be allowed to hire a certified agent under the NCAA’s new rules. The agent is allowed to pay for meals, transportation and lodging for Dennis and his family to meet with NBA teams.
As long as Dennis withdraws his name from consideration 10 days before the NBA Draft, he will be eligible to return to WSU for his junior season.
This story was originally published April 2, 2020 at 4:03 PM.
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