This season, his first as a starter, Kelly averaged 14.4 points per game while shooting 37.9% from 3-point range. In the final eight games of Tech’s season, he averaged 19.8 points per game while making 35 of 79 3-point tries (44.3%). He did not receive All-ACC recognition.
For Kelly, who attended Parkview High for three years before transferring to Hargrave Military Academy, it is a no-lose proposition, as he is free to return to Tech so long as he does so by the NCAA’s May 31 deadline for early-entry withdrawal, which follows the NBA draft combine. Former Tech guard Michael Devoe went that route after the 2020-21 season, returning for his senior season after testing the draft waters.
But, while Kelly would seem an under-the-radar prospect, it’s conceivable that he could impress teams enough to stay in the draft and get selected in the two-round, 60-player draft. Former Tech guard Josh Okogie had that experience in 2018, moving up from a possible second-round pick to the 20th overall selection.
The deadline for players with eligibility remaining to declare for the draft is April 23.
