LSU got its second and third early NBA Draft declarees back as guards Skylar Mays and Marlon Taylor will return to Baton Rouge according to an initial report from ESPN’s Jon Rothstein later confirmed by sources to Tiger Rag.
Mays and Taylor join guard Javonte Smart as athletes who declared for the draft but will return for another season with the Tigers.
Mays, who comes back for his senior season, averaged 13.4 points and 1.9 steals per game in his best season playing for his hometown university.
Taylor served in a starting role for most of the season, using his athleticism and high flying ability to provide key plays on both sides of the ball. The transfer from Panola Community College in Texas averaged 6.7 points and 3.6 rebounds.
Both played vital roles in LSU’s history regular-season run to an SEC Championship followed by a postseason that ended with the Tigers in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament.
Their return ensures a solid and experienced core of athletes for head coach Will Wade, who landed the linchpin of his 2019 recruiting class just a week prior in five-star forward Trendon Watford out of Alabama.
Mays, Taylor and Smart were joined by Tremont Waters, Naz Reid and Emmitt Williams as early entrees in the NBA Draft. Waters and Reid — both of whom worked out in the NBA Draft Combine — are both expected to remain in the draft.
Many have speculated that Williams will return for his sophomore season. He has until Wednesday (May 29) to tell the university that he plans to re-enroll.
Photo Credit: Terrill Weil
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