Oklahoma State guard Avery Anderson makes NBA Draft decision

Oklahoma State guard Avery Anderson III has entered his name in the NBA Draft, according to Cowboys coach Mike Boynton. Although Boynton confirmed the news in a tweet Wednesday morning, he didn’t completely rule out the possibility of Anderson returning for the 2022-23 season.

“I’m aware (Avery Anderson) has entered his name into the NBA draft process,” the coach wrote in his tweet. “We’re excited for him to get evaluated & then make a decision about what’s best for his future. It’s a great opportunity for him to take a step towards a lifelong goal and we totally support it.”

By declaring for the draft, Anderson will be able to participate in the NBA Combine from May 16-22 in Chicago. After that, he will have until 11:59 p.m. ET on June 1 to withdraw his name and maintain his collegiate eligibility. The point guard previously went through this process in 2021, entering the draft but not hiring an agent and eventually returning to Stillwater.

Avery Anderson led Oklahoma State in scoring this past season with 12.1 points per game in addition to 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals. The season prior in 2020-21, he averaged 12.2 points while helping lead the Cowboys to earn a four seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Unfortunately, Oklahoma State was banned from postseason play for 2021-22 as a result of its involvement in a 2017 FBI investigation into corruption in college basketball. Boynton still managed to lead the team to a 15-15 finish, including 8-10 in Big 12 play, despite knowing all along the year would end with the last regular season game. The Cowboys will have the postseason ban lifted next season, but will have its scholarships reduced by three for two more years.

Anderson came to Stillwater in 2019 as a four-star recruit and the No. 15 point guard in the country according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. He chose OSU offers from Florida, LSU, Texas A&M and others.

Anderson was not projected to be taken in a recent two-round NBA mock draft from ESPN, so it appears his return next season is still likely. If he does decide to come back, he and the rest of the Cowboys will aim to get back on track after enduring the brunt of the NCAA’s harsh punishment.