Creighton juniors Martin Krampelj and Davion Mintz were both included on the NBA draft’s early entry list, which was released Tuesday by the NBA communications office.
Their decisions to declare for the draft, given the current rules structure, almost seem to be standard procedure these days for rising seniors with professional aspirations. Players can expose themselves to aspects of the business-oriented draft process — they are now permitted to temporarily sign agents and still retain their eligibility.
Krampelj and Mintz have until May 29 to withdraw their names and return for their senior seasons.
Neither has received any notable draft buzz from national experts. But the NBA combine invite list, which will be announced in a couple weeks and include more than 60 players, is typically the best indicator of how scouts and executives view a prospect’s draft stock.
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There’s also a new G League Elite Camp, which will feature workout and evaluation opportunities for about 40 additional players.
Krampelj, who’s now 24 years old and will graduate in May, could also elect to forgo his senior season and start his professional career overseas. He’s been considering that route.
The Slovenia native, who has recovered from three ACL surgeries in his career, is coming off his best college season — Krampelj earned Big East honorable mention, averaging 16.7 points (ninth), 8.2 rebounds (second), 1.4 steals (seventh) and 0.94 blocks (10th) during league play.
Mintz split time between the point guard position and an off-the-ball, wing spot for the Jays this past season. He was fifth on the team at 9.7 points per game and emerged as CU’s top perimeter defender.
Of the 175 college players on the NBA’s early entry list Tuesday, 87 just completed their junior seasons. There were also 58 international players who declared for the draft.
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