Florida State freshman guard Malik Beasley, from Alpharetta, will enter the NBA draft. The school made the announcement Monday night.
A graduate of the St. Francis School, Beasley was a member of the All-ACC freshman team after scoring in double figures in 30 out of 34 games, including his first 24. The Seminoles finished with a 20-14 record and lost in the second round of the NIT. Beasley is the first FSU player to enter the draft after his freshman season.
The website draftexpress.com rates Beasley as the No. 28 prospect in the draft. Another site, nbadraft.net, had him at No. 17. He'll have the opportunity to perform before scouts, coaches and general managers in weeks to come at the NBA draft combine and in private workouts. The draft will be held June 23.
“He enjoyed a great freshman year and we are looking forward to watching him as he realizes his dreams,” FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said in a statement. “He was an outstanding player for our basketball team, is a young man of tremendous character and is an extremely hard worker. We are behind Malik and know he will be successful in everything he does because he is such a quality person both on and off the basketball court.”
Beasley can still withdraw from the draft and return to Florida State. The deadline is May 25, 10 days after the end of the draft combine. However, statements from him and Hamilton would indicate that he is not considering that option.
“Florida State University, Coach Hamilton and his staff were absolutely the best choices I could have made when I was deciding which college I would attend,” Beasley said. “The friendships I have formed with my teammates will last my entire lifetime. The things I have learned and the growth I have realized this season as both a person and player have made me confident that I can take the next step in realizing my dreams to play at the next level.”
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