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The 2016 NBA Draft features new rules that allow for any and all players to test the waters to see where they stand with the option to head back to college if they do not think that their draft prospects will lead to selection amongst the 60 picks given out each year. Already, the Big East has seen Ben Bentil, Kris Dunn - who is a lock to head to the pros this year, Jalen Reynolds and Trevon Bluiett make their declarations to see where they stand with regards to going pro.
On Wednesday, one Big East hooper decided to join them in the mix. After two Friars and two Musketeers announced their declarations, the list has now expanded to five. Isaiah Whitehead, sophomore guard for the Seton Hall Pirates, took to Twitter to announce his declaration for the 2016 Draft, with a caveat: the Brooklyn native will not be signing an agent.
Will Be Entering The 2016 NBA Draft But Will Not Sign With An Agent ❗️
— Isaiah Whitehead (@IsaiahW_15) March 30, 2016
if you had been paying attention, this news should not come to anybody's surprise. There were plenty of whispers going on that Whitehead was thinking about heading for the NBA Draft. If nothing else, Whitehead would be doing what any other individual would be smart to do: test the waters, see where he's at, and if it's positive, head for the pros, and if it's not, head back to South Orange.
There's nothing for Whitehead, or any player thus far that's decided to declare without an agent, to lose in this scenario. So not only is it unsurprising, but it's perhaps smart, as well.
The Pirates have an ample amount of rising juniors who could turn them into a legitimate Big East title contender in 2016. Angel Delgado, Khadeen Carrington, Ismael Sanogo and Desi Rodriguez comprise quite the quartet, and it could become a quintet if Whitehead decides to head back to school for his junior season.
If he doesn't though, there's still plenty of talent to go around on Kevin Willard's club as they'll bringing in some talented freshmen in next year as well to go along with the veterans on a team that goes into next season as the reigning Big East Tournament champions.
In any event: Best of luck to Whitehead on this endeavor!