Report: Florida Gators forward Devin Robinson declares for 2017 NBA Draft

By Adam Silverstein
March 31, 2017
Report: Florida Gators forward Devin Robinson declares for 2017 NBA Draft
Basketball

Image Credit: ESPN Images

Florida Gators junior forward Devin Robinson has opted to declare for the 2017 NBA Draft but chosen not to hire an agent at this point in the process, according to The Gainesville Sun’s Pat Dooley.

Robinson choosing not to bring an agent into the fold at this time leaves the door open for him to return to the Gators for his senior season should he not receive a promising grade ahead of the upcoming draft.

Starting 35 of 36 games for Florida this season — every contest except for Senior Night — Robinson averaged 11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds on the campaign. He shined during the first two rounds of the 2017 NCAA Tournament, combining to score 38 points and grab 18 boards before falling off in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.

It is that inconsistency from one night to the next that has plagued Robinson throughout his career with the Gators. While he flashes tremendous athleticism and ability, can shoot from long range at 6-foot-8, and has improved as a defender, he very much remains a question mark in the eyes of evaluators.

Robinson planned to declare for the NBA Draft one year ago but was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot, leading to him returning to Florida for his junior campaign. At age 22, he is up there in age for a junior, which will likely work against his grade.

The Gators are already losing point guard Kasey Hill, guard Canyon Barry, F Justin Leon and center Schuyler Rimmer to graduation. Redshirt junior C John Egbunu, who tore his ACL on Feb. 14, is also considering leaving college early but would be out of action for at least another 10 months.

Should Robinson remain in the draft, Florida would be losing three-of-five starters and its sixth man ahead of the 2017-18 season. Egbunu also departing would require the Gators to replace five of its top six minute-getters from last year.

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