Marquette star Tyler Kolek has decided to forgo his final season of college eligibility and enter the NBA Draft, as announced on Wednesday. Kolek has been a key player for the Golden Eagles, starting 99 games over the past three seasons and playing a significant role in the team’s success under coach Shaka Smart.
The 6-foot-3 guard began his college career at George Mason before transferring to Marquette. Despite being eligible to play another season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kolek has chosen to pursue his NBA dreams.
In a social media post, Kolek expressed his gratitude for his time at Marquette and reflected on the impact the program has had on his life. He has been a standout player, averaging 15.3 points and 7.7 assists per game in the 2023-24 season and earning multiple accolades for his performance.
Looking ahead to the NBA Draft, Kolek is ranked No. 35 in the 2024 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings by CBS Sports and has been projected to go as high as No. 27 in mock drafts. Despite some challenges as an NBA prospect, Kolek’s skills and achievements speak for themselves, making him a promising player for the league.
While Kolek’s departure will be felt by Marquette, the team is preparing for the future with returning players like Kam Jones and other veteran guards who can help fill the void. Despite Kolek’s absence, the Golden Eagles remain optimistic about their backcourt play moving forward.
