As the offseason started, Hog fans got a huge present with Daniel Gafford announcing his return for his sophomore season. He was widely expected to be a first round pick in the 2018 draft, but opted to come back for another season in Fayetteville and a chance to raise his draft stock even more. This year, we’ll take periodic looks at Gafford’s draft stock and map out if it’s trending up or down throughout the year.
SB Nation: 14th pick (No Team/Updated 6/22)
It’s not the most up to date projection but it’s definitely one to keep an eye on throughout the year. Notably this was put out before Jontay Porter’s unfortunate injury, so his stock will likely drop below Gafford.
ESPN: 2nd Center/2nd Sophomore
ESPN and draft ace Jonathan Givony don’t have a mock out yet, but they recently released their position and class rankings. Right now he is the second ranked center behind Oregon freshman Bol Bol. And among sophomores he’s behind just Virginia’s De’Andre Hunter.
Tankathon: 12th (Oklahoma City Thunder)
This is one of the more interactive places to go. You can simulate the lottery and see how those changes can affect the draft stock. It’s worth noting that the projections are based on current standings, which means they are extremely fluid with the season just starting. Don’t expect OKC to stay in that 12th spot.
NBADraft.net: 10th (Los Angeles Lakers)
This is the highest projection for Gafford, and I’d imagine he’d be pretty stoked to play with LeBron
Bleacher Report: 12th (LA Clippers)
The late lottery is where just about everyone has Gafford slotted. This one is to the other side of LA.
NBA Draft Room: 11th (LA Clippers)
A second draft to the Clippers, where he would be teaming up with former Hog Patrick Beverley.