Malachi Richardson to Enter 2016 NBA Draft: Latest Comments, Reaction

Syracuse freshman guard Malachi Richardson will enter the NBA draft but won't hire an agent, according to head coach Jim Boeheim (per Syracuse Basketball), meaning he could still return to the school for his sophomore season.

"With the new rules, it's an opportunity for Malachi to get a better understanding of where he would be in the draft," Boeheim noted.

Richardson averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in 2015-16 for the Orange. He started every game this season for Syracuse.

He saved his best play for the NCAA tournament, scoring 21 second-half points—and 23 points total—to lead the Orange to a comeback win over Virginia in the Elite Eight. His 17 points weren't enough to lead Syracuse past North Carolina in the Final Four, however.

It won't be surprising if Richardson ultimately returns to school. ESPN.com's Chad Ford currently has Richardson as the 10th best shooting guard and No. 55 prospect overall in the 2016 NBA draft. He currently has a second-round projection for Richardson or going undrafted altogether.

On the other hand, HoopsHype.com had him going No. 24 overall to the Philadelphia 76ers in its latest mock draft, though the site did concede that "most scouts would like to see him return to school and improve his shooting and all-around efficiency."

So it is possible that Richardson could get a first-round grade and ultimately decide to hire an agent. Regardless, it seems like a wise move from the young player to evaluate his options before making a decision.

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