St. Francis (Pa.) junior Keith Braxton declares for NBA Draft

St. Francis (Pa.) last had a player selected in the NBA Draft nearly three decades ago, but junior Keith Braxton could change that.

Braxton, the reigning Northeast Conference Player of the Year, declared for the NBA Draft on Thursday. He remains eligible to return to St. Francis if he withdraws from the draft by May 29.

A 6-foot-5 guard from Glassboro, N.J., Braxton averaged 16 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, leading the NEC in the latter category. He became the Red Flash’s first NEC Player of the Year since Mike Iuzzolino in 1991 and also was named Honorable Mention Associated Press All-American, St. Francis’ first selection since 1985.

Iuzzolino was St. Francis’ last drafted player, taken by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round in 1991.

“After much deliberation with my family, coaches and teammates, I have decided to put my name into the 2019 NBA Draft,” Braxton said in a statement. “I am excited to collect feedback from the NBA to help me become a better basketball player, leader and teammate. While I am keeping all options open, I fully intend to return to Saint Francis for my senior season and finish what I have started with my brothers. I want to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey to help me get to where I am today.”

Braxton has 1,504 career points and 912 rebounds and is a two-time NEC First Team selection.