Shortly after Louisville’s season finale loss to Mississippi State in the quarterfinals of the NIT, juniors Ray Spalding and Deng Adel announced their intentions to declare for the NBA Draft with the possibility of returning next year. One of them has decided to hire an agent, forgoing their college eligibility.
Louisville junior forward Ray Spalding took to Instagram this morning to announce his decision to hire an agent, and keep his name in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Spalding averaged 12.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game during his junior season for the Cards and was the team’s second leading scorer behind Deng Adel. He is currently ranked as the 62nd best prospect in the 2018 NBA Draft according to Sports Illustrated.
"Putting his mobility and length to good use, Spalding became Louisville’s top long-term prospect this season and will have a chance to get drafted. He’s a rebounder and shot-blocker with a decent sense of the floor, and should be able to switch some screens and make an impact on defense. He has nice touch with his right hand and some potential as a face-up shooter as his skill set evolves. Spalding’s not wildly strong or explosive, nor is he likely to become a high-scoring option, but could become a piece for someone in time."
Louisville and new Head Coach Chis Mack, will have big shoes to fill next season after the loss of both members of their starting front court. While Mahmoud is not seen as a draftable NBA prospect at this point, it seems as though Ray Spalding may be gaining steam in the mid-to-late second round.
Spalding has good size for an NBA power forward, 6’10 and an incredible 7’6 wingspan that will help him to guard the position, and maybe even allow time to be played as a small ball center. What will hurt Ray the most in my opinion is his strength and weight or lack thereof, playing at about 215 and 220 through of his college career, as well as his lack of playing with a killer mentality.
We saw a new side of Ray Spalding this season, as he was more willing to demand the ball in crunch time (i.e, the final minutes against Albany), and was counted on plenty of other times as a go-to scorer down low. His improved offensive game was on display for the majority of the season, however that big leap that Louisville fans and the coaching staff were waiting for never seemed to happen consistently.
Improving from 6 points, 5.5 rebounds per game from his sophomore season to 12.3 points, and nearly 9 rebounds a game should be good enough to get him on scouts radars come June. However, a lot of work will need to be done in May’s draft combine for that to happen.
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CardNation wishes nothing but the best for Ray Spalding at the next level.