Tyler Herro declares for the NBA Draft

Tyler Herro was never going to be a one-and-done college basketball player.

Herro did not receive his fifth star from recruiting outlets until his senior season in high school was almost over, he was snubbed and did not receive a spot in the McDonald’s All-American game, and he was going into a situation where the backcourt of the Kentucky Wildcats was deep and talented.

Here we are a year later, and his name has been entered in the NBA Draft.

Herro started every game this season and rose in mock NBA Draft boards with each passing week. He is now projected as a potential top 20 pick in the 2019 draft, and given where he started, is quite a feat.

He averaged 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, and just over one steal per game this season. After a cold start to the season, he ended up shooting 35.5% from behind the three-point line on the year. And if he chooses to leave, he will be Kentucky’s all-time career leader in free throw percentage at 93.5%.

Most notably, Herro improved his defensive prowess and become one of Kentucky’s best ball-stoppers by the end of the year. He also showed the ability to crash the class, score around the rim, pass the ball with precision.

Herro is leaving the door open to return to Kentucky for another season. He will take feedback that he receives from the NBA Draft combine and then make the decision about his future.

While PJ Washington set a great example for what coming back for a second season can do, it is doubtful that Herro could improve his draft stock as dramatically as Washington has with another season.

As a potential top-20 selection, my money is on Herro to stay in the draft. If he hears otherwise at the combine, however, he may consider returning for a sophomore campaign. Regardless of his decision, going through this process should greatly benefit Herro and his basketball future.

Do you think Herro stays in the draft or comes back to Kentucky for one more season?