USC guard Drew Peterson testing NBA Draft waters, will maintain eligibility
Should he choose to come back and use it, Drew Peterson can spend one more season on the court for the Trojans.
Before making that determination, though, the do-it-all USC guard will test the NBA Draft waters. On Monday, Peterson officially announced he is entering the NBA Draft while maintaining his remaining season of eligibility.
“My experience as a Trojan has been unimaginable as we’ve broken records and reached new heights,” he wrote in a post on social media. “The support from the fanbase has been at an all-time level and is greatly appreciated.”
❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/flC6kdF57K
— Drew Peterson (@Drewpeterson23) April 11, 2022
The 6-foot-8 wing player came into his own as a go-to scorer this past season for coach Andy Enfield and the Trojans. As critical a player in the team’s 26-8 record as there was, Peterson started every game while averaging career-bests in points (12.4), shooting percentage (47%), and 3-point percentage (41%).
For the second time in his career, Peterson also posted season-long averages of at least six rebounds and three assists per game. That versatility as an offensive player, combined with his size and length, makes for a potentially intriguing addition for any pro team. But it’s undoubtedly Peterson’s shot-making that sets him apart as a pro prospect.
This season, he finished top-10 in the Pac-12 in true shooting percentage (57%). The 3-point shooting was a big reason why. Peterson has always been a streaky shooter, and that remains true, but after posting a sub-30% clip from 3-point range as a freshman, Peterson has improved his percentage every year, making a big jump from 33% to 39% after moving from Rice to USC prior to the 2020-21 season, and then following that up with another leap this season.
Peterson was USC’s clutch scorer down the stretch last season, delivering most notably in a Feb. 12 win over UCLA. For his efforts, he earned a spot on the All-Pac-12 First Team.
He’s the second USC player to declare for the NBA Draft so far, joining forward Isaiah Mobley. Mobley, however, has hired an agent and won’t be back. Peterson has until June 1 to decide whether to keep his name in the field or return to school.