Villanova’s Saddiq Bey will forego his final two seasons of college eligibility to remain in the 2020 NBA draft, the school announced Tuesday.
The product of Largo, Md., earned the 2019-20 Julius Erving Award as the nation’s top small forward while helping the Wildcats earn a share of the Big East regular-season title.
Bey, projected as the No. 19 pick by ESPN.com, will sign with Excel Sports Management, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
“We are all proud of Saddiq,” said Villanova head coach Jay Wright. “He has been the consummate Villanova Basketball player and teammate. He is an excellent student, has always thought of the team first, and always takes pride in representing Villanova.
“Saddiq is making the right decision – he’s ready to be an outstanding player, teammate, and leader in the NBA. The entire Villanova Basketball and University community supports Saddiq’s decision and anticipates following his promising NBA career.”
Jay Wright said he consulted NBA personnel on Saddiq Bey but it's hard for them to give intel "because they don't know where they're going to pick and they don't know who's coming out yet."
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 9, 2020
As a sophomore, Bey averaged 16.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Wildcats (24-7 overall, 13-5 Big East) while starting all 31 games. He connected on .451 of his attempts from beyond the 3-point line – which ranked fourth in the nation – and was a unanimous selection to the All-BIG EAST first team. In addition, he was tabbed the Philadelphia Big Five Player of the Year.
“This has been a pivotal time in our country and honestly not how I imagined the last few months playing out,” said Bey. “Between the pandemic and national outcry against racial injustice, it has given me a lot of time to think and gain perspective outside of basketball.
“I have thought a lot about my decision to enter the NBA Draft and specifically how that would impact my coaching staff, teammates and professors. Villanova has the greatest fans in the world and I will miss playing in front of them next year. While I will always be a Wildcat, I have decided to stay in the NBA Draft in pursuit of playing in the NBA.”
Great ESPN Film Session with Villanova forward Saddiq Bey. Versatile at 6-8 with the ability to play 1-4 for stretches. One of the draft’s most NBA-ready prospects given his productivity & winning impact at Villanova. From 5-8 as a high school freshman to potential lottery pick. pic.twitter.com/JrhmxmiWCs
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) June 9, 2020
Villanova freshman Jeremiah Robinson-Earl previously announced he was withdrawing from the NBA Draft, keeping alive a streak of nearly 25 years where Villanova hasn’t had a one-and-done.
Release via Villanova
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