Arizona freshman Nico Mannion a ‘notable faller’ in 2020 NBA Draft, per CBS

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Nico Mannion had an up-and-down freshman season with the Arizona Wildcats, and it could threaten his status as a lottery pick.

Kyle Boone of CBS recently labeled the freshman point guard as a “notable faller” in the 2020 NBA Draft, now projecting him as the No. 26 overall pick after previously having him No. 13.

Here’s why:

Mannion really struggled for much of the final six weeks of the season from an efficiency standpoint. And despite the undeniable burden he carried as Arizona’s initiator on offense, there’s some real red flags. (32.7% from 3-point range, zero blocks in 32 games, 39.2% from the floor.) His stock will be a fascinating one to follow in the coming months as scouts sort out his value, but there’s concern that despite his smarts, his lack of explosiveness and struggles as a scorer could hamper his progression to becoming a starting-caliber point guard in the NBA.

Where do other outlets believe Mannion will be selected? Here’s a roundup of some other mock drafts:

• Bleacher Report: 13th
• NBA Draft Room: 30th
• Sporting News: 10th
• SB Nation: 15th
• ESPN: 14th

Mannion has not officially declared for the NBA Draft, but his departure has been expected ever since Arizona head coach Sean Miller said in January that “we’re gonna lose Nico.”

Mannion has until April 26 to declare unless the NBA pushes the date back due to coronavirus concerns.

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