2018 NBA Draft: Hands, Porter, Battle pull out of draft to return to school

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Jontay Porter #11 and Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers fight for a rebound with Christ Koumadje #21 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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DAYTON, OH – MARCH 13: Jaylen Hands #4 of the UCLA Bruins is defended by Matt Mobley #2 of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies during the first half of the First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 13, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Jaylen Hands, UCLA, Returning For Sophomore Year

Former five-star point guard Jaylen Hands will be returning to UCLA this fall. Hands came out of high school as one of the most hyped prospects in his class. However, a mediocre freshman year in which he averaged nine points and four assists per game likely lowered his draft stock.

Hands’ decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft did not come as a surprise to many considering, he had a good but not great combine. Returning to UCLA will benefit both parties as the team will lose Aaron Holiday. On the other side of things, the 19-year-old will have a tremendous opportunity to develop his raw talent.

Two key areas that Hands will look to improve in are his defense and decision-making. NBA General Managers love themselves an athletic point guard and Hands’ flashes of talent could make him a top-20 pick next June.