LSU basketball player Tariq Eason has been dismissed from the team after declaring for the NBA draft. His departure is a huge blow to LSU’s chances of winning a national championship this season, but should help his career in the long-term.
Tari Eason is leaving the LSU Tigers basketball team, and will declare for the NBA draft.
LSU sophomore Tari Eason informed ESPN on Friday that he would enter the NBA draft in 2022 and forego his remaining NCAA eligibility by signing an agent.
“After contemplating about my passion for basketball with my family, past and current coaches, and classmates, I’ve chosen to follow my longtime ambition by declaring for the NBA draft,” he stated.
After averaging 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 24 minutes per game this season, Eason, the No. 15 prospect in the ESPN 100, was awarded first-team All-SEC and Sixth Man of the Year.
According to Ken Pomeroy’s ratings, he led a Tigers defense that was first in the SEC and sixth overall.
1 Related
“This season had its ups and downs, but I feel everything we went through will help me flourish at the next level,” Eason said. “I owe a debt of gratitude to the institution, my coaches, and my teammates.”
Eason’s path to being a possible lottery choice was unusual. He was a three-star high school recruit who committed to Cincinnati as a freshman, where he averaged 7.3 points in 19.5 minutes per game as a rookie. He transferred to LSU following a coaching change last summer and instantly established himself as one of college basketball’s most improved players, propelling his team to a 12-0 start and a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament.
He said, “Nothing was ever handed to me.” “On the way to the gym, there were moments when it was just me and my mother, and she was the only one who believed in me. Everything had to be earned, and I’m happy I did because it makes this moment much better. When my number is called, I will always be ready. If you want to be great, you have to make a lot of sacrifices, and I’m pleased I did. People don’t know how difficult it is to be anything other than a typical child, but every one of those hours mattered, and I’m thankful they weren’t wasted.”
After receiving a notice of accusations from the NCAA charging the school of five Level I infractions, LSU’s season was interrupted when its administration dismissed coach Will Wade before to the NCAA tournament.
LSU, led by interim coach Kevin Nickelberry, was beaten in the first round by No. 11 Iowa State a few days later, with Eason scoring 18 points in only 20 minutes due to foul problems.
Despite coming off the bench, Eason led LSU in scoring, shooting 56 percent inside the arc and 36 percent outside, and finishing first in the conference in box plus-minus and per-minute scoring, as well as second in steals, free throw attempts, and player efficiency rating, making him a player of the year candidate.
“I hope NBA organizations saw how dedicated I am to this game and how competitive I am,” Eason remarked. “I hate losing more than I like victory. I’ll go to any length to ensure that my team wins. I also hope they recognized the fact that my defensive game is equally as vital to me as my attacking game. I want the NBA to know that I want to be a top-tier two-way player and that I will never be satisfied. Getting better is a never-ending process. Never.”
The switch-heavy contemporary NBA is intrigued by Eason’s flexibility guarding point guards, anchoring the top of the LSU press while also putting a body on larger players from the center position. As the season progressed, scouts were more interested in his development as a ball handler, passer, and perimeter shooter, as well as the touch he displays from the free throw line (80%). He’s also one of the most explosive finishers in this draft class, with 47 dunks on the year, but his footwork as a shot creator displays interesting inventiveness and talent, putting continual pressure on opposing defenders with his strong first step.
“I’m looking forward to demonstrating my work ethic to NBA clubs because I refuse to be outworked or out-toughed,” he stated. “Also, my offensive flexibility, which includes ballhandling, decision-making, and 3-point shooting abilities in the NBA. I strive to be outstanding both on and off the court.”
The NBA draft combine will take place in Chicago from May 16 to 22, and the draft will take place on June 23 in Brooklyn, New York.
Tari Eason is a guard for the LSU Tigers basketball team and he has decided to declare for the NBA draft this year. He will be leaving the Tigers after his junior season. Reference: tari eason draft profile.
Related Tags
- tari eason draft stock
- tari eason wingspan
- tari eason scouting report
- tari eason age
- tari eason 247
