USF’s David Collins to explore NBA options

USF junior guard David Collins, the Bulls’ top scorer each of the past two seasons, announced via Twitter on Wednesday that he is entering the 2020 NBA draft.

But much like Bulls teammate Laquincy Rideau last season, Collins will keep his eligibility options open and could return to USF for his senior season.

“I would like to thank my coaches, teammates and all of Bulls Nation for the many memories we have shared throughout this journey,” Collins tweeted. “Since I was a kid, my dream has been to play in the NBA.”

College underclassmen have until April 26 to submit their names to the NBA draft pool. An early entrant who requests an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee can hire an NCAA-certified agent and retain his college eligibility.

Those who wish to withdraw their names from the draft must do so by June 3. All dates are subject to change based on the coronavirus pandemic.

A member of Brian Gregory’s first signing class at USF, Collins, 21, has been arguably the most critical piece in Gregory’s reclamation of the once-foundering program.

Relentless in dribble penetration and a solid perimeter defender, he has posted double-figure scoring averages each of his three seasons. This past season, he averaged a team-best 13.7 points, and ranked second to Rideau in assists (55) and steals (53).