LA Sports Hub
Fansided

2017 NBA Draft: T. J. Leaf leaves UCLA for next level

By Jamaal Artis

November 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pacific Tigers guard T.J. Wallace (2) moves to the basket against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) and forward TJ Leaf (22) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pacific Tigers guard T.J. Wallace (2) moves to the basket against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) and forward TJ Leaf (22) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

In the latest news about the 2017 NBA Draft, T.J. Leaf will be taking that next step.

The UCLA Bruins other star freshman T. J. Leaf will be joining Lonzo Ball in the NBA Draft in July.

Not as overtly advertised like Ball, nonetheless Leaf’s contributions turned around the Bruins’ fortunes this year.

At power forward, Leaf led the Bruins in scoring averaging 16.3 points and was second in rebounding averaging 8.2.  With his height and athleticism, Leaf is projected as a first round draft pick, and could play as stretch “4” at the NBA level.

Leaf confirmed his draft declaration via social media in a tweet:

Leaf was one of the few bright spots in the Bruins season-ending loss. He showcased his skills by scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

Also, he even hit his one three-point attempt. These are the kind of skills teams will look at when it comes to the draft.

More from LA Sports Hub

It will be interesting to see if Leaf’s skills translate to the next level, his height and deceptive athleticism may make it at the collegiate level, but in the NBA height and athleticism is around every corner.

It remains to be seen how high Leaf will be taken in the draft.

Unlike Ball, who is projected to go in the first three picks, Leaf’s status may depend on who’s drafting and what the needs are.

At 6’10” Leaf is not your traditional back to the basket big man, Leaf is equally adept at driving to the basket as he is battling for rebounds.

For Bruins coach Steve Alford losing his two best players may make next year a difficult one.

Alford will be losing his son Bryce, who will be graduating. Next season, the Bruins will have the number 2 ranked incoming recruit class to fill their roster holes.

Leaf is choosing not to stay in college, but to rather go after his big dream.

Next: Are Lakers Really All In On Lonzo Ball?

Ultimately every Bruins fan should be happy with Leaf’s decision to pursue his NBA career.

Home/UCLA