Should he stay or should he go?
“He should 100 percent come back to Duke,” says one NBA front office scout in reference to Blue Devils’ freshman guard Trevor Keels who has entered NBA draft, but still has the option to return to Duke.
The process of entering the NBA draft while maintaining eligibly is designed to allow players to receive valuable feedback from scouts and front office executives on pros and cons of their games. There have been reports that Keels will stay in the draft. The 6’5 guard has until June 1st to announce his decision.
According to NBAdraft.net Trevor Keels is a projected to be selected as early as late in the first round, or potentially go un-drafted. That window is concerning and why some believe Trevor’s decision will be based on a team guaranteeing a selection if he does stay in the draft.
Why some executives believe Keels should return:
- Trevor with another year at Duke could polish his perimeter shooting. He averaged just above 30 percent during his freshman campaign (31.2%).
- He can improve his free throw shooting. Keels averaged 67% at the charity stripe his freshman year.
- He tends to favor his left hand when attacking the basket and could improve finishing at the rim.
- During the draft combine it was stated Keels lost 10-15 pounds and appeared much leaner during workouts (some worried about his physique last season). His size works in the college game against smaller defenders, but against world class athletes at the next level, the bully ball doesn’t work.
Notably, during Trevor Keels’ combine individual workout projected lottery pick and teammate Paolo Banchero tweeted “Never seen scouts clap after a pro day… shoutout Keel mode. Brother showed out.”
The talent is there. There’s no doubt about it. Keels can score with the best of them. Lateral movement, quickness at the next level and decision making is where some believe Keels utilizing an additional year in Durham could help him move into the NBA lottery conversation next year.
The NIL, which allows players to profit of their own images and likeness, could be the determining factor.
Expect a decision soon from Trevor Keels with the deadline to make a decision fast approaching.