Oral Roberts guard Max Abmas enters NBA Draft, will maintain eligibility

Oral Roberts sophomore Max Abmas has entered the 2021 NBA Draft while maintaining college eligibility, he told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. Abmas, a 6-foot-1 point guard, is a potential first-round pick.

“My plan is to enter the draft and get as much feedback as I can,” he said. “I’m hoping to work my way into the first round or get some type of guaranteed contract to help me decide whether to stay in.”

The 20-year-old Abmas played a key role in Oral Roberts’ success during the 2021 NCAA Tournament. He averaged 24.6 points, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 28 games last season, shooting 48% from the floor, 43% from deep and 89% from the charity stripe.

“For me going to Oral Roberts — I’ve seen players like Steph Curry [Davidson] and Damian Lillard [Weber State] who went to mid-majors and showed you can make it from those schools as well,” Abmas said. “I decided to control what I can control and let the rest play out. It came a whole lot faster than I expected.”

As mentioned, Abmas will retain the option to return to school — a decision that’ll largely be based on the feedback he receives from NBA teams. Abmas is one of more than 100 college freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are expected to enter the July 29 draft.