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Report: NBA executives weigh in on Ohio State’s early draft entrees Kaleb Wesson, Alonzo Gaffney
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Ohio State’s basketball program saw two players declare for the NBA Draft as early entrants this year: Kaleb Wesson and Alonzo Gaffney. One was expected while the other was a surprise.
Wesson has been a consistent starter for the Buckeyes during his career at Ohio State and was the team’s best player in 2019-20. He averaged 14.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest and has added perimeter shooting as an element to his game in some capacity.
Gaffney, on the other hand, played an average of less than seven minutes per game and recorded 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds per contest. While the NBA Draft is open to anyone, it was surprising that Gaffney opted to put his name in the mix.
Stadium’s Jeff Goodman reached out to NBA executives regarding Wesson and Gaffney’s decision to declare for the draft. Both players were given the recommendation to return to Ohio State for at least one more season.
“Mid to late second or undrafted. His body improved last year,” One executive said of Wesson. “Go back and get even better at guarding more athletic guys and also shooting from the perimeter.”
Another executive said of Gaffney, “This is one of the worst decisions of anyone. He needs to transfer.”
Whether or not either player heeds that advice remains to be seen. Early entrees will have until June 3 to make their final decision. If they do not withdraw their name before that deadline, they will not be permitted to return to college basketball.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB