Emmanuel Malou files paperwork to enter the 2016 NBA Draft
Australian 6'9 power forward Emmanual Malou has filed paperwork to enter the 2016 NBA draft.
Despite having committed to Iowa State from the 2016/17 season, Malou has not yet hired an agent, therefore maintaining his college eligibility. Malou's actions have been confirmed by Cyclone's representative Matt Shoultz.
Malou shared the reasoning behind his decision via his Twitter account.
"I have decided to declare for the 2016 NBA Draft as an early entrant in order to find out what my options are. Playing in the NBA has been my dream and was a big part of the reason why I moved to the US from Australia several years ago."
https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMalou/status/725099947570253829
The talented big man averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks as a freshman for YUBA College in California. He then transferred to Des Moines Area Community College to focus on his academics, as his transcripts have not yet been endorsed by the NCAA to clear him to play for Iowa State next season.
Malou's talent had previously been recognised when he was selected to the Australian squad of 16 for the 2015 World University Games. He had also fielded plenty of interest from other colleges, including offers from Kansas and Oregon.
Iowa State are in desperate need of talented front court players such as Malou next season after four seniors graduated, including Cyclones star Georges Niang. Malou would have every opportunity to make an immediate impact for a high-major program should he be cleared and decided to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft.
It is also not the first time that Malou has tested his NBA Draft interest, having previously declared as an early entrant for the 2013 NBA Draft. However on that occasion he withdrew from the draft to instead pursue the college pathway.
Should Malou receive enough interest and assurances from NBA teams on this occasion, he could well join fellow Australians Ben Simmons and Thon Maker in this year's draft. A trio of NBA draftees is a tantalising prospect for Australian basketball.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCMoRp7LgBQ