NC State basketball stars face looming NBA decisions
Decision day is approaching for two NC State basketball players whose choices will have a significant impact on the Wolfpack roster for next season. Redshirt sophomore guard Dereon Seabron and freshman guard Terquavion Smith have until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday to withdraw their name from the NBA Draft and return to college.
Both Seabron and Smith declared while hiring agents who were NCAA certified, meaning they were maintaining their eligibility.
On Sunday, Smith worked out for the Charlotte Hornets. He was also scheduled to show his skill skills with the Chicago Bulls before deciding his future. Smith told the Charlotte Observer that he is looking for a promise to be in the top 20 range of the NBA Draft, and that a return to NC State is still being considered.
“This whole experience has been great for me,” he said. “I’m a willing learner. I’m willing to learn. So everything (that) was being taught, I took that on the chin and just added to my game. So I’ve gotten better over the time, and I feel like if I do take my name out the draft, just going back to college, I feel like I would be a whole ‘nother person.
“My shot selection will be better. I will know time and score. The ball will be in my hands being the lead guard, setting up everybody in their position. Going through this process and working out for teams, I’ve got a taste of the league and how they work hard. Just go hard at it and learn.”
Smith has also worked out with the San Antonio Spurs, who along with the Hornets and Bulls have picks in the top 20.
In the aftermath of a well-received NBA Draft Combine performance, mock drafts were predicting that Smith could be a back-end of the first round draft pick. NC State has not had a first round pick since T.J. Warren in 2014.
Smith averaged 16.3 points per game and set a school record for most threes made by a freshman with 96. That was also the third most made in a season overall for a NC State player, trailing the 104 that Scott Wood made in 2013 and Rodney Monroe had in 1991.
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Smith shot 36.9 percent overall from long range, and he was NC State’s leading scorer in ACC games at 18.3 points. He shot 40.1 percent on three-pointers in league action (73 of 182).
Seabron worked out for the Orlando Magic last week, who have two second round picks. Prior to his participation at the NBA Draft Combine, Seabron had workouts with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets.
Seabron was second-team All-ACC last season. He led NC State in scoring (17.3 points), rebounding (8.2 boards), assists (102) and steals (44). His 12 double-doubles were the second most in the ACC.
NC State basketball coach Kevin Keatts said last week while updating the offseason for his team that he thought both players were 50-50 on returning.
“Both of them have NCAA certified agents, and they will both try to figure out what type of feedback they want to hear,” Keatts added. “I’m supportive. I’m in it just if they need someone to talk to, or they need a shoulder to lean on. But they have good people around them.
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