Malik Newman, the heralded five star prospect from the 2015 signing class, has decided to test the waters of the NBA.
When Malik Newman chose to come to play for the Mississippi State basketball team, we all assumed he was only going to be around Starkville for a year. We found out today that Bulldog fans may or may not get to see the future NBA hopeful for one more year.
BREAKING: Mississippi State's Malik Newman will enter the 2016 NBA Draft, source told @CBSSports. Could return to school after combine.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 22, 2016
In a move that will surprise no one, Malik Newman will announce at a 3 p.m. press conference at Mississippi State his decision to declare himself eligible for the NBA Draft but not hire an agent. The NCAA has recently changed their policies regarding when a player can declare themselves eligible for the Draft and still decide to change their mind.
Most assumed Malik Newman would take advantage of the new rules and at least test the waters of the NBA before coming to any kind of final decision. This move was on most people’s radar.
Newman had a disappointing freshman season by most people’s opinion. Malik Newman was a top 10 prospect who was supposed to be a scoring machine, Many even speculated he might lead the SEC in scoring this season.
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Instead, Newman averaged 11.3 points per game as a Bulldog, and only shot 39% from the field and 38% from three point range. Most assumed the Mississippi State Bulldogs would have a player on the SEC All-Freshman team, and it would be Malik Newman. The Bulldogs did land a player on that team, but it was Quindarry Weatherspoon, not Newman.
While it is easy to say Newman had a disappointing season, it’s also easy to forget how much Malik Newman battled injury this season. He began the season with a turf toe injury which sidelined him for the first game of the year. He then battled cramps, and he ended the year suffering from a back injury.
Newman’s departure would leave the Bulldogs with only two returning starters, Weatherspoon, and I.J. Ready. Aric Holman will also return as well. In addition, the Mississippi State Bulldogs will welcome the 6th best recruiting class in the country which includes six four star players.
If Malik Newman decides to ultimately come back to Mississippi State, it will drastically impact the expectations of the Bulldogs in 2016-17. While not a favorite to win the SEC, the Bulldogs would be considered by most a team ready to make a long overdue appearance in the NCAA Tournament and be towards the top of the SEC standings. Without Newman, an appearance in the NCAA Tournament is expected, but still a possibility.