In a relatively shocking twist, news broke on Tuesday afternoon that UConn forward Daniel Hamilton will hire an agent after declaring for the NBA Draft. This move forfeits Hamilton’s final two years of collegiate eligibility and immediately beings his professional career.
In even more shocking news, it was Hamilton’s former UConn teammate Sam Cassell Jr. who broke the story, which was then confirmed by Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant.
Had Hamilton not signed on with representation, new NCAA rules would have allowed him to participate in NBA workouts and the NBA Combine while still retaining the option to return to school.
Earlier this offseason we told you about the uniqueness of Hamilton’s skill set. He served as the team’s de facto point guard for much of this past season, while doubling as the Huskies’ best rebounder. He averaged 12.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
Yet Hamilton is not projected to be drafted by any major forecasting agencies including NBADraft.net, DraftExpress and ESPN. Despite his impressive stat line, Hamilton has gigantic holes in his game. At 190 pounds, he is likely too small to guard small forwards in the NBA. As a 33 percent three-point shooter who doesn’t get to the foul line, his options as a scoring guard also appear limited.
“I just feel this is the best thing, to provide for my family, help my family out,” Hamilton told the Courant.
Financial hardship is certainly a common motivator for early entrants. Daniel’s brother Jordan was a first round pick in the 2011 draft and has earned almost $3.5 million playing for four NBA teams.
Hopefully, for his own sake, Hamilton has the benefit of some sort of additional insight that we aren’t privy to.
“Wherever I get drafted, I’ll be OK with it,” he told the Courant.
A selection in the second round seems like the best-case scenario, with an overseas career more likely.
As spectators in this sport, we have to remember that so many these “kids” throw the ball through the hoop to dig out from their environment, no different than young men left “the old country” in pursuit of a better life in America. I look at someone like Ryan Boatright who stayed in school, graduated, and while he is not currently playing in the NBA, he has become a hero playing in Italy with his typical late game play. The experience he is having is valuable in so many ways. So, my point is that while I wish Hamilton would stay, grow, and do a little more maturing, I don’t know his family situation and the other pressure put on him. I do wish him the best of everything in the new path he has chosen and thanks for your time at UCONN.
I am shocked that Daniel Hamilton made this decision at this time. I use the word “shocked” because of the new rule in college basketball and the NBA that allows a player to test the waters and then make their decision. Daniel Hamilton had a bad year at UCONN. He played very well at the AAC tournament and played OK against Colorado. But, for him and his family to think that making this decision now before going through the process is one I believe they will regret. He will be playing in the D-League next year. He could have tested the waters and if not a first round draft pick, come back to UCONN and have a huge season. I really thought this new rule would keep kids from making bad decisions. If Rodney Purvis and Amida Brimah do the same, God help them….