Report: Ohio State Guard D'Angelo Russell To Declare For NBA Draft
By Ray Boyd
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- According to an ESPN report, Ohio State guard D'Angelo Russell has decided to leave the school after one-year to declare for the NBA Draft. Russell could be a prospect for Sixers fans to keep an eye on.
Russell declaring for the draft is no real surprise. His stock remained high throughout his entire freshman season at Ohio State and many experts expect him to be no worse than a top-five pick in this year's draft.
The 19-year old fits a lot of what the Sixers need. Russell excels at shooting the basketball evident by his 41.1% shooting from long distance last season. He also combines the ability to score with the ability to facilitate and run an offense.
Russell averaged 19.3 points per game to go along with five assists.
At 6'5", Russell also fits the long and athletic mold that the Sixers appear to like in their players. He used his length to his advantage averaging 5.7 rebounds per night and 1.6 steals.
On most mock drafts, Russell is seen as the third or fourth overall selection. The Sixers finished the season with the third worst record in the league and the best odds to wind up with the third pick.
Russell could be a key find in the Sixers quest to construct an elite level back court to compliment the talent they have amassed for the front court.