Springer Declares for Draft, Hires Agent

Tennessee’s leading scorer off to the NBA

Jaden Springer announced via Twitter that he’s headed for the NBA.

It’s important to note that Springer said in his announcement that he’s hiring an agent, which eliminates any chance, albeit unlikely, that he returns to Tennessee if he didn’t get an encouraging enough draft grade. Once a player hires an agent, the NCAA prohibits him from coming back to college ball.

Most anticipated this move, though Springer’s name bobbed up and down mock drafts with his somewhat inconsistent play this past season. NBA Draft dot net currently has Springer going at No. 19 to the Atlanta Hawks. A note: all first-round picks are four-year deals, with two years guaranteed and team options for the third and fourth years. The total deal for last year’s 19th pick, Saddiq Bey, was about $13 million with nearly $6 million guaranteed.

GO GET THAT MONEY, JADEN.

Springer never quite materialized as the Vols’ lead guard, but he absolutely showed flashes of a point guard’s playmaking and passing ability. He finished the year leading the Vols in points per-game scoring (12.5) and second on the team in assists per game (2.9). He also led the team in 3-point percentage (43.5) taking fewer than two per contest.

Springer is the third roster domino to fall in what is likely to be a busy offseason for the Tennessee basketball team. Davonte Gaines and Drew Pember announced they are transferring last Friday. We’re likely to get news on Keon Johnson’s NBA decision soon, while Yves Pons and John Fulkerson also have choices to make about their futures.