Tennessee’s Yves Pons, one of the best defensive players in the nation, has declared for the 2020 NBA Draft, according to Jeff Goodman.
Not sure if this one is out there, but Tennessee’s Yves Pons has also declared for the NBA Draft.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 25, 2020
Pons also announced that he would not hire an agent, which is significant because it leaves the door open for a potential return to Tennessee for his senior season. By not hiring an agent, Pons will have the chance to simply test the NBA waters and make a decision on whether to remain in the draft or return to Tennessee by June 3rd.
Former Tennessee power-forward Admiral Schofield did this after his junior season, taking advantage of the chance to get feedback from NBA teams before ultimately deciding to return to Tennessee for his senior season. Many anticipate that Pons could follow in his footsteps and decide to return to Knoxville for his final year of eligibility, but there is no way to know for sure until Pons announces.
Pons stands at 6’6’’ and weighs in at 215 pounds. A native of France, he averaged 10.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game during his senior season. He is known as a rim protector, earning a block in every game the Vols played in during his senior year. He excelled on defense, earning the award for SEC Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to earning All-SEC Defensive Team honors.
Pons also tied C.J. Black for most blocks recorded in a single season with 73, a record he most likely would have broken if the season would not have been canceled due to COVID-19 Pandemic.
Pons will have until June 3rd to make a decision on whether to remain in the draft or return to Tennessee for his final year of eligibility. Pons would offer experience to a team bringing in a multitude of young talent.
