Syracuse sophomore guard Dion Waiters confirmed what many had suspected and what SNY.tv first reported Saturday night following Syracuse’s season-ending loss to Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament.
He is headed to the NBA.
“I’ve decided to pursue my dream of becoming a professional basketball player by entering my name in the NBA Draft this spring,” he said in a statement. “I plan on signing with an agent.
“I want to thank my coaches and my teammates. I’ve had an amazing experience at Syracuse University.
“I also want to thank all the Syracuse basketball fans. They are the best in college basketball.”
The Big East Sixth Man of the Year from Philadelphia, Waiters averaged 12.6 points, 2.6 assists and 2.3 rebounds.
DraftExpress.com has Waiters listed as the No. 25 prospect in its Top 100 list for this year, but some NBA scouts believe he will go higher.
“Huge upside, athletic combo guard who is great at attacking the basket,” one NBA scout told SNY.tv. “Top 15 guy depending on what other underclassmen declare.”
Added a second NBA scout: “He’s a good one. He shot up the charts. He’s playing well, playing well late [so] that’s going to really help him. Jim Boeheim is very high on him, has been since the day he enrolled there. I believe he’ll be a Top 20 pick.”
