The 2013 NBA draft is rapidly approaching, creating an unparalleled level of anticipation for dozens of prospects across the globe. While some have solidified their draft statuses, others are in danger of falling further down draft boards than they may had presumed.
When it's all said and done, certain underclassmen will regret the decision to declare.
This is not to say they will be unable to enjoy solid careers at the next level, as their upsides remain unchanged. With that being said, the following underclassmen jeopardized their draft statuses by declaring their ineligibility at inopportune moments.
In the short term, the following underclassmen will regret their decisions to enter the NBA draft at this stage of their respective careers.
Myck Kabongo, Texas Longhorns
Position: Point Guard
Age: 20
Class: Sophomore
Height & Weight: 6'3", 180 pounds, 6'6" wingspan
2012-13 Season Averages
11 GP, 18.58 PER, 14.6 PPG, 5.5 APG, 5.0 RPG, 2.0 SPG
Myck Kabongo was once a lottery lock, possessing the pure point guard skills and two-way skill set to thrive at the next level. Unfortunately, Kabongo missed all but 11 games during the 2012-13 college basketball season.
Rather than redeeming himself as a junior, Kabongo opted to declare for the NBA draft—a decision that may not pay off.
Kabongo is no longer a lottery pick, let alone a first-round draft choice. Instead, Kabongo is in danger of falling deep into the second round.
His ability may suggest that draft position is of little relevance, but there's a reason second-round draft choices have a low success rate in the NBA.
More likely than not, Kabongo will spend the early stages of his career in the NBA D-League. Had he opted to return to college, however, he could have restored his draft stock and thus returned to the first round.
Keep in mind, if there's one position in which the door is open for players to step up in 2014, it's point guard.
Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA Bruins
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 20
Class: Freshman
Height & Weight: 6'6", 222 pounds, 6'11" wingspan
2012-13 Season Averages
21.99 PER, 17.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 37.7% 3PT
Shabazz Muhammad was once a front-runner to go first overall, pairing a powerful offensive attack with what was believed to be electrifying athleticism. While Muhammad has tested as a lesser athlete than previously believed, that doesn't discount his offensive ability.
Or so we thought.
Muhammad has gone from a potential top pick to a player who may fall all the way out of the draft lottery. While there is a strong possibility he goes somewhere outside the top 10, no one saw this coming.
Had Muhammad opted to remain at UCLA for another season, we might not be having this conversation.
Muhammad has holes in his game, but he's a fierce competitor with a strong motor and high-quality transition skills. Had he stayed at UCLA, Muhammad would have been granted the opportunity to improve upon his weaknesses and strengthen his reputation.
Unfortunately, Muhammad must now experience life as a borderline lottery pick and work his way from the long way up.
B.J. Young, Arkansas Razorbacks
Position: Point Guard
Age: 20
Class: Sophomore
Height & Weight: 6'4", 179 pounds, 6'8" wingspan
2012-13 Season Averages
20.38 PER, 27.9 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.4 APG
After a breakout freshman season, Arkansas Razorbacks point guard B.J. Young regressed in a major way. Despite seeing an increase in playing time, Young experienced drops in scoring and steals, as well as field-goal, three-point and free-throw percentage.
To put it simply, the Razorbacks star couldn't have chosen a worse time to enter the draft.
Young has excellent size at 6'4" with a 6'8" wingspan, as well as elite athleticism for either guard spot. He also improved as a facilitator during the 2012-13 season, seeing an increase in both assists and assist-to-turnover ratio.
Unfortunately, the rest has become a blur.
Despite averaging roughly the same amount of attempts per game, Young went from 41.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc in 2011-12 to 22.7 percent in 2012-13. As a result, Young went from the player previously believed to be the top point guard in 2013 to a second-round draft choice.
The SEC may have become more competitive with the arrival of another high-profile Kentucky recruiting class, but that would have been the perfect platform for Young to re-enter the first round.
