FGCU’s Goodwin to ‘test waters’ for NBA Draft

FORT MYERS, Fla. FGCU junior point guard Brandon Goodwin is “testing the waters” for the NBA Draft, the school announced.

The 6-foot-2 Goodwin is entering the draft but not hiring an agent, enabling him to withdraw by May 24 and return to the Eagles for his senior season.

Entering the draft, if only temporarily, allows Goodwin to work out for NBA teams and, if invited, take part in the predraft combine May 9-14. He’s following in the footsteps of teammate Marc-Eddy Norelia, who declared for the draft last year before withdrawing and returning for his senior year.

Goodwin wouldn’t stand much chance of being drafted if he doesn’t withdraw. He isn’t ranked among the top 100 prospects on DraftExpress, a leading NBA Draft website. ESPN.com doesn’t list him among its NBA prospects, either.

But FGCU coach Joe Dooley supports the idea of Goodwin going through the evaluation process and said they reached the decision together.

“It’s been my dream to play in the NBA, and this is a great opportunity for me to find out just where I stand,” Goodwin said. “Going through this evaluation process over the next month or so should provide me with a better understanding of that and allow me to make a more well-informed decision.”

Goodwin was a dominant force in his first season for the Eagles since transferring from UCF. He led the team in scoring average (18.5) and assists per game (4.1) and finished third in rebounding (4.5). His 629 total points set a school record.

The 21-year-old Norcross, Georgia, native was named Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP and won the conference’s Newcomer of the Year award.