Who is Taylor Hendricks? Learn all there is to know about the UCF freshman who just declared for the NBA draft.
UCF freshman Taylor Hendricks will forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2023 NBA draft, he told ESPN on Wednesday. Hendricks says he has signed with attorney Raymond Brothers, president of Roc Nation basketball, as his NBA representation.
“I want to thank my mom and brothers Tyler and Jamal,” Hendricks said. “Also, UCF and Coach Johnny Dawkins for pushing me to develop my game and help get me where I am now. Also, I want to thank the Lord for ordering my steps through this whole journey.”
Hendricks, the No. 12 prospect in ESPN’s NBA draft projections, was named second-team All-AAC after averaging 15.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game this season, shooting 39% for 3. He led all AAC freshmen in each of those categories while setting a conference record by winning rookie of the week honors on nine separate occasions.
Hendricks was one of college basketball’s breakout stars, going from being ranked outside of the top-50 of his high school recruiting class to a potential top-10 pick in the span of just one season. “A big part of that was choosing the right school,” Hendricks said. “A place that would let me grow and give me the opportunity to show my skills and develop.”
How much of an impact did Taylor Hendricks make at UCF?
Hendricks made an immediate impact at UCF, which has strengthened his chances of getting drafted this year.
Hendricks impressed NBA scouts with his combination of defensive versatility, high-level intensity and perimeter shooting, making 61 of 155 3-pointers in 34 games. He was consistently productive against the top teams on UCF’s schedule, posting some of his best games against the likes of Houston, Florida, Ole Miss and Oklahoma State.
“It doesn’t matter where I’m drafted,” Hendricks said. “I’ll be there for a reason. I will make the best of any situation.” The NBA draft combine will be held May 15-21 in Chicago, and the draft will be June 22 in Brooklyn.
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