Olivier-Maxence Prosper is holding his identify in the 2023 NBA draft and can forgo his remaining eligibility at Marquette, he instructed ESPN on Friday.

“After talking to my family, agents, and evaluating the feedback I’ve gotten after the draft combine and my pro day, I’ve decided to keep my name in,” Prosper mentioned. “Teams say they are really intrigued by me and value my skill set and ability to impact the game on both ends. I’m ready to make that jump and go after this.”

The 6-foot-8 Prosper, the No. 32 prospect in the ESPN 100, has had a robust pre-draft course of that has elevated his standing in the eyes of NBA groups from fringe prospect to potential first-round decide. He posted 21 factors and seven rebounds in 22 minutes in his lone recreation on the draft mix and carried out a well-attended professional day in Los Angeles on Tuesday the place a number of NBA executives instructed ESPN they have been impressed along with his perimeter taking pictures and explosiveness. He participated in 5 particular person exercises with NBA groups earlier than the mix and now has a busy schedule the subsequent 4 weeks that can see him go to many of the groups selecting in the primary spherical.

“Coming out of college, people were questioning the consistency of my jumper,” Prosper mentioned. “That’s something I’ve really worked hard to show NBA teams I can be a catch-and-shoot player. I have the ability to improve and become very versatile on both ends. If some teams weren’t sure, I’ve shown them I can do more things on both ends in this process.”

Prosper helped Marquette win the Big East regular-season and convention match championships, averaging 12.5 factors in 29 minutes whereas bringing excellent defensive versatility along with his excessive depth stage, 7-foot-1 wingspan and skill to cowl floor on the perimeter.

A younger junior who’s simply 4½ months older than one of many prime freshmen in school basketball final season in Brandon Miller, Prosper suits a prototype many NBA groups are actively searching for along with his capability to play both ahead spot as his perimeter taking pictures (34% from 3 final season) continues to evolve.

“My game translates really well to the NBA,” Prosper mentioned. “It’s a positionless league, and wings like me who can guard multiple positions, run the floor, finish in transition and make catch-and-shoot 3s find ways to make winning plays and impact games. Based on what I’ve been told, there’s no reason I shouldn’t be a first-rounder.”

Marquette, which was slated to return nearly its complete roster subsequent season, was projected because the No. 3 workforce in ESPN’s early preseason rankings with the belief that Prosper would return. His departure is a blow for Shaka Smart’s Golden Eagles, who must scramble for a late alternative in the switch portal or highschool ranks. Rising junior David Joplin and rising sophomore Ben Gold will seemingly be referred to as on for added accountability.

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft skilled and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a non-public scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and worldwide groups.