Rocio Robles
Following his third year with the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the NCAA, Drew Timme has defined his future for next season: the star intern and current Player of the Year in the WCC conference has decided to declare himself eligible for the NBA draft to be held this year, with the hope of being selected in one of the two rounds of the tournament.
Through a statement on his social networks, the 21-year-old center notified those close to him of the decision he made regarding his future.
”One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was to come to Spokane and Gonzaga University to play basketball in front of Zag Nation. I have been privileged to play and to be supported by the best coaches, teammates, fans, friends and family I could ask for. I changed for the better as a person and as a sports player thanks to this opportunity. The dream has always been to play professionally, and after a lot of thought and discussion, I will put my name in the NBA draft.”
”Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey so far. And a special mention to Coach Few (Mark Few, Gonzaga’s head coach) and the entire Gonzaga University athletic staff. The love and support you have given me has made these years one of the best I will ever experience.”
Drew Timme, star player for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, on entering the NBA draft.
Drew Timme’s numbers with Gonzaga
In this recently completed campaign with the Bulldogs, Timme averaged 18.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 28 minutes of play, with a 58.6% efficiency from the floor, which led him to be selected to the all-conference team and to compete for the Wooden Award as a finalist for the Player of the Year of the NCAA. Unfortunately Timme could not manage to take Gonzaga as far as he did in 2021, being eliminated in the Sweet 16 at the hands of the University of Arkansas.
On the previous season, Timme was one of the vital pieces that kept the Bulldogs undefeated throughout the NCAA championship, only to be defeated by the Baylor Bears in the March Madness national title game. This season, he averaged 15.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
As one of the most important players in Gonzaga’s recent history, Drew Timme is not currently attracting much interest around the NBA, having serious lapses in his defensive game and with an offense limited to the paint and surrounding area. In addition, his rebounding ability is not fully developed for his position on the court.
Despite his decision, Timme could return for what would be his fourth year as a member of the Bulldogs by being represented by NCAA agents, provided he withdraws his candidacy from the prospect competition in time; he has until June 1 to make his final decision.
