Pitt freshman guard Carlton Carrington declares for 2024 NBA Draft

Pittsburgh freshman guard Carlton “Bub” Carrington is passing up his remaining years of eligibility to enter the 2024 NBA Draft, the school announced on Wednesday. The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is Apr. 27.

A 6-foot-4 guard, Carrington started all 33 games for the Panthers as a true freshman. He averaged 13.8 points per game while playing more than 33 minutes a night. He also averaged more than five rebounds and four assists a game.

“I can’t thank Coach [Jeff] Capel, the staff, my teammates, and everyone associated with Pitt Basketball and the University of Pittsburgh for the opportunity to be a part of this team, a great university, and the Pittsburgh community,” Carrington said in a release. “After weighing my basketball options with my family and coaches, I have decided to pursue my childhood dream of playing in the NBA.

“The growth in my game over the past year and the opportunity to showcase my abilities at Pitt have helped make this a reality. I will miss my teammates and coaches as well as the terrific culture of Pitt Basketball and the support of the University of Pittsburgh community, but am eager continue my growth and development at the next level.”

Carrington made the ACC All-Rookie team for his efforts in what will be his lone season of college basketball as the Panthers finished fourth in the league in the regular season, going 22-11 overall.

Capel praised Carrington and supported his decision to go pro.

“Bub had a terrific year and has put himself in position to be selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft,” Capel said in the release. “We have been in constant communication with him and his family throughout and are in full support of the decision. Bub is a talented, young player with a bright future at the next level. Bub and his family will continue to be a part of our Pitt Basketball family and we look forward to supporting them and watching him compete in the NBA.”

According to The Ringer’s most recent 2024 NBA mock draft, Carrington is projected as a late first round pick, going No. 27 overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Carrington still needs to develop as a defender — and age and bulk on his frame might also help in that regard.

But with his ability to create his own shot and score off the bounce have Carrington on the fringes of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft.