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Georgia Basketball: Yante Maten not going to Combine

By Alistair Penny

Feb 18, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Yante Maten (1) reacts from the bench after an injury against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Kentucky won 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Yante Maten (1) reacts from the bench after an injury against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Kentucky won 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Georgia Basketball Star not invited to NBA Draft Combine.

Related Story: UGA gets a commitment from a 2017 big man.

When Yante Maten said that he was going to make himself available for the 2017 NBA draft, he know this might happen. Rivals reported that the NBA is inviting 67 players to their official draft combine but the Georgia Basketball star will not be one of them.

The 6-8 first team All-SEC power forward put his name forward for the draft back in April. Crucially, he did not hire an agent. He therefore has the opportunity to withdraw by May 24th and return to UGA. Not being included is a blow for Maten’s pro chances this year. With the NBA rating 67 players over him, it makes it all the less likely that he will be one of the 60 players that is drafted.

The main disappointment for Maten is that he will now not have the opportunity to talk to NBA scouts. The combine would have been an excellent chance for him to find out what they like about his game. They could also have told him what he needs to work on for 2018.

Hopefully, he’s going to get that chance at some private workouts. He has several skills that NBA teams look for but there is still room for growth. He has the capability to make his way into the league, he just needs to know what to get better at.

Next: How are Notre Dame looking this Spring?

This is a blow for Yante, but it’s good for UGA to get 1 more season from him. While there is no confirmation yet that he will return to school, it is now more likely. Hopefully a healthy senior season gives him the chance to develop more and get drafted in 2018.

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