Memphis Tigers freshman Josh Minott declares for NBA draft

Memphis freshman Josh Minott will declare for the 2022 NBA draft, he told On3.

“I want to start by thanking God for the opportunity to play the game of basketball. I’d like to thank all the friends, family, coaches and supporters that have helped me to reach where I am today. I’m extraordinarily grateful to coach Hardaway, the coaches, and staff of the Memphis Tigers basketball program. I would like to thank my teammates for pushing me and forming the brotherhood that I will value for the rest of my life. To the Memphis fanbase, I can’t thank you enough for welcoming me into your family and creating a surreal environment filled with love. I pray that you understand and respect my decision. With that being said, I’d like to announce that I will be declaring for the 2022 NBA draft,” Minott said in a statement to On3.

Minott has no plans to return to Memphis, but will initially maintain his college eligibility, according to Jonathan Givony.

“I don’t plan to need my eligibility,” Minott said to Givony. “My work ethic and talent should be able to propel me to a standing in the draft I’m comfortable with.”

The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in just under 15 minutes per game this season for Penny Hardaway. He scored a season-high 18 points and added nine rebounds in a win over Tulsa earlier in the year. Minott was also named AAC Freshman of the Week on Jan. 3.

Before coming to Memphis, Minott played his high school career at St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Fla., where he averaged 23.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as a senior.

According to the On3 Consensus, Minott was ranked as the 43rd best player in the Class of 2021. He chose Memphis over offers from Baylor, Florida State, Oklahoma, Texas, among others.

JOSH MINOTT OH MY GOODNESS pic.twitter.com/uKy2kJbhDT

— American MBB (@American_MBB) March 12, 2022