Villanova's Wayns puts name into NBA draft
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Villanova's Wayns puts name into NBA draft
As anticipated by most, including Villanova coach Jay Wright, Wildcats junior lead guard Maalik Wayns is going to put his name into the pool of available candidates for the NBA draft, the Daily News has learned.
Villanova is expected to make an official announcement later today.
That doesn't mean the 6-2 Roman Catholic product will leave a year early, but several sources have indicated that they believe it's a strong possibility.
Wayns, who led the team in scoring at 17 points per game and made second-team all-Big East despite missing several games late in the season with a knee injury, has until April 10 to take himself out of consideration and return for his final season of eligibility because he hasn't hired an agent. Until then he can work out for NBA teams to try and determine what his stock might be. He can also interview with teams and have an NBA committee of general managers evaluate his worth.
At this point it doesn't appear that he projects as a first-round pick, which would ensure a guaranteed contract.
Some aren't sure he'll be selected at all, but it only takes one team. And some have speculated that even if he has to go overseas or play in the Developmental League, Wayns could simply be ready to move on and start making money. Those people have said he might have made his mind up to do this last year, after electing not to test the waters at that time.
The Wildcats went 13-18 this season with no seniors and three junior starters, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. They had five first-year players.
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Villanova coach Jay Wright will contribute to coverage of the First Four on truTV from the Atlanta studio tonight. He also will serve as a guest studio analyst for second-round games Thursday and Friday. Wright will appear alongside Steve Smith, Seth Davis and Matt Winer on truTV’s Inside March Madness to wrap up each day’s action at 12:30 a.m. ET.
malik needs to learn how to be a point guard. before doing that, he has no chance of sticking in the nba. of course, with the way the nba is today who knows if someone is willing to pay for a highly erratic guard that can take people off the dribble but can't shoot.— rbrogna1- what a joke. who does he think he is Kyle Lowry? coming off that season, no way. He has so far to go still its not even funny. I agree w/ ricobrogna, I think Wayns took a step backward this year. He doesn't get to the rim like Lowry does but relies on outside jump shots, which he is not that great at anyway. His playmaking ability is also lacking. He is not really good enough to be leaving early.— KingOfPhilly
- if scottie didnt sniff the nba, Malik sure wont.— jim715
- if scottie didnt sniff the nba, Malik sure wont.— jim715
- While Wayns didn't take the big step forward that most had envisioned for this year, his individual season was still impressive considering all of the other issues that the team was dealing with. It might be time for him to move on, even if it is overseas, as it seems that he can't develop any further at Nova.— zomgplayoff
- Maalik's game may be more suitable for the NBA. He wasn't surrounded by good players this year and carried the team to any success they had. But, agree he won't be a 1st round pick, so, he could benefit from another year at Nova.— Bigbirch
- Just a dream....just a dream.— Wilhelm Von Humboldt
- You miss 100% of the shots you never take .— Joe R.
Comment removed.- What makes you think he's going to learn anything useful playing another year at Nova?— rsternb1
- The most over-rated player in the city and in the country makes another turnover in the draft. Somebody please take him.— 2smart4philly
- While I agree that Maalik probably needs another year at Nova, I think it's hilarious that a bunch of dudes that could only dream to have an ounce of 'Lik's talent are judging him on a message board. Maalik, do the right thing and come back to Nova for your senior year. The rest of you losers can get back to your worthless jobs.— GoCatsGo
- Nova is going to suck again next year so there is no reason for him to stay. Imagine how he feels being on a team that can't even make the NIT. It's time for him to step it up ..— Byron
- More than likely he wont hire an agent. I'm sure he just wants to "test the waters" but I think he would do just fine in the league. Dont know how long he will last but I'm sure a team will take a chance on him.— JustBeingReal
- Would be better served coming back and taking Nova back to tourney and leaving on high note. Improve his floor game and show he can play PG. Take and make better shots. For those who think the kid has no game tho don't know the game. Kids with way less talent than Malik make the league. I wish him well anyway. Met him and his parents. Nice people. Good luck to him either way.— Avon4Ever
