Video: Malik Newman Declares for 2016 NBA Draft, Could Return to MSU

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) – After an impressive freshman campaign, Mississippi State’s Malik Newman announced Tuesday that he has declared for the 2016 NBA Draft.

“I would like to announce that I am pursuing my dream of trying to play in the NBA,” Newman said. “I am keeping the option open that if I don’t hear the news I would like, I will be returning to Mississippi State next year.”

In his lone season with the Maroon and White, the preseason All-SEC Second Team honoree averaged 11.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists. His .379 clip from 3-point range stands ninth amongst all Southeastern Conference players.

“I sat down with my family and we talked about it. We think that we will have a really good chance to make my dream come true,” Newman said. “I think with the development that coach [Ben] Howland helped me with and becoming the point guard this season, I think it could be really good.”

“This was the plan from the first day I met Malik,” MSU coach Ben Howland said. “We expected that he would put his name up for the draft and explore this opportunity this year. He has to really hit the ground running in terms of his workouts.”

(Photo CC: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports)

His prowess from beyond the arc made noise in the MSU freshman record books, as he capped off the year standing second in 3-point field goals made with 61. He also tied for third in Bulldog freshman history with 161 attempted 3-pointers.

His 11.3 scoring average came in ninth in the MSU freshman record book.

Newman dropped double-digit scoring performances in 16 games this season, including two 20-plus point outings. His career high came in MSU’s Jan. 23 home victory against in-state rival Ole Miss. Newman electrified a crowd of nearly 10,000 as he scored 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including going 7-of-10 from long distance.

The Jackson, Miss., native’s seven 3-pointers against the Rebels also marked the second-most in a game in school history and the most since Dee Bost made seven against Troy on Dec. 10, 2011.

“I am excited for him because I think it is going to be a great challenge. I think he will do well and compete well,” Howland said. “I think the thing that he has learned this year from making the jump from high school to college is going to serve him well. This is a lifelong dream for him to realize the opportunity of playing in the NBA.”

Newman joined the Bulldogs last April, signing with the Maroon and White as a five-star prospect from Callaway High School. A McDonald’s All-American, Newman was rated at the No. 1 shooting guard in the country by ESPN after leading the Chargers to four-straight Class 5A state championships.

“It’s very exciting,” Newman said. “This right here is what all the hard work is for, and it’s exciting.”