Gonzaga's Malachi Smith staying in 2023 NBA Draft
It's official: Gonzaga men's basketball guard Malachi Smith is turning pro.
Smith had until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday to withdraw from consideration for the 2023 NBA Draft and still retain his college eligibility. Smith's agent confirmed to the Spokesman-Review's Theo Lawson on Wednesday that he is staying in the draft.
Smith has not been mentioned in any recent NBA mock drafts. His most likely path to professional basketball will be as an undrafted free agent or overseas.
Smith averaged 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds this past season for the Zags and was named the West Coast Conference Sixth Man of the Year.
After winning Southern Conference Player of the Year in 2021-22 at Chattanooga, Smith joined Gonzaga last season where he was the first player off Mark Few’s bench.
Smith was by far Gonzaga’s most efficient guard during the 2023 NCAA Tournament. He shot 57.1% from the field and 55.6% from deep during the Zags' run to the Elite Eight.
