South Carolina’s AJ Lawson to declare for NBA Draft again
A season ago, South Carolina men’s basketball went through the process of A.J. Lawson testing the draft waters. This year he’ll take another look at that option.
Lawson declared for the draft but won’t hire an agent a school spokesperson confirmed. Sunday was the last day underclassmen had to declare for the NBA Draft.
Underclassmen can sign with an NCAA-certified agent and still withdraw from the draft while maintaining their eligibility.
At one point, Lawson was considered a potential 2021 top-50 pick, but that was before a 2019-20 season in which he ceded point guard duties to Jermaine Couisnard and settled into a different sort of role.
For the season, Lawson averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1. steals. He shot 41.4% from the field and 33.9% from 3, while connecting on 72.4% on free throws.
At 6-foot-6, 178 pounds, he had the build of a long perimeter player and was at times a plus-ball handler and solid shooter.
The departure of Jair Bolden, now at Butler, ensured the team wouldn’t be over in terms of scholarship numbers.
ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony pointed out that Lawson didn’t have the sophomore season many expected. He had caught some attention in the middle of his junior year before he reclassified and came to college season early.
“He’s got long arms; he’s pretty versatile,” Givony said. “He’s a good shooter. He didn’t shoot the ball incredibly this year, but he’s definitely a shot maker. And I think he’s shown in other settings that versatility that people like about him.”
Players have until June 3 to pull their names out. The draft is scheduled for June 25, but the coronavirus pandemic and suspension of the season has things in flux.
This story was originally published April 26, 2020 at 3:10 PM.
