Jaylon Tyson, the only California player named to the All-Pac-12 first team last season; told ESPN On Thursday, he declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and announced that he would not return to California for his final season of eligibility.
“I intend to waive my remaining eligibility and enter the draft,” Tyson told ESPN. “I'm getting ready in Las Vegas right now.”
The versatile 6-foot-7 Tyson is ranked No. 32 among NBA Draft prospects by ESPN 100, so his decision to enter the NBA Draft comes as no surprise. A round pick in an upcoming draft.
However, there was some expectation that Tyson might enter the draft, but withdraw his name before draft day and return for his final college season. His statement to ESPN seems to rule out that possibility.
This is a blow to the Cal program. This means all five of the Bears' 2023-24 starters will not be on Cal's roster for the 2024-25 season, when Cal begins play in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Fardose's Aimak, Keonte Kennedy and Jalen Cone are ineligible, Jalen Celestin entered the transfer portal this week, and now Tyson is gone. And Tyson was the Golden Bears' best player and one of the best players in the Pac-12 last season. Cal finished 9-11 in the Pac-12 in Mark Madsen's first and final conference season as head coach of the Golden Bears.
Tyson, who transferred from Texas Tech after the 2022-23 season, averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, ranking third in the Pac-12.
“Even though I didn't achieve my ultimate goal, statistically it was a great season,” Tyson said, according to ESPN. “It was great to be able to give Cal some momentum for next year.”
“NBA teams recognized that I am a versatile guard. I can play a variety of positions on the court. I can be a '3-and-D' player or a second ball handler. I showed that I can also play point guard. It will grow rapidly in the future. ”
The NBA Draft will consist of two rounds and will be held on June 26th and 27th.
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