Fresno State’s Niven Hart to hire an agent, stay in NBA Draft after one season
Fresno State guard Niven Hart has hired an agent and will remain in the NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining three seasons of eligibility.
Hart, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who announced his decision Sunday on social media, had declared for the draft in April to get a gauge of his pro stock.
A coronavirus-delayed deadline allowed college players until 10 days after the draft combine or Aug. 3, whichever comes first, to withdraw and retain eligibility.
“After careful consideration and lengthy conversations with my family, I have decided not to return for my sophomore year at Fresno St.,” Hart wrote on Twitter. “I will forgo my college eligibility and by entering my name into the 2020 NBA Draft. I have teamed up with PNW Sports Group and they will be assisting me with my professional career moving forward.
“I wish my teammates, coaches and the incredible fans at Fresno St. the best of luck in the coming season. All praise and glory goes to God.”
Hart played in 26 games last season for the Bulldogs, averaging 8.7 points and 2.5 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per game. But down the stretch he was one of the team’s more reliable offensive options, playing off the bench.
In his final eight games, he hit 48% of his shots while averaging 16.7 points, scoring 29 in a Mountain West Conference loss to Colorado State and 30 two games later in a win at San Jose State.
“We recruited him late last year and he came in and did a magnificent job, had a good second half of the year when he came back from his injury and we wish him well,” coach Justin Hutson said.
“His goal was to try to be here for one year and he feels that it’s best for him, and we support him.”
Hart played high school ball at Oak Ridge-Orlando, Fla.
With Hart moving on, the Bulldogs’ backcourt loses explosiveness at the rim and one of its better shooters – Hart hit 39.8% of his shots beyond the 3-point line, best on the team, while fourth in attempts.
With a scholarship available, Hutson and his staff could look for immediate help or to a transfer who would sit out a 2020-21 season.
Fresno State has three guards returning in Jordan Campbell and Anthony Holland, along with Alec Hickman, who sat out last season.
The Bulldogs added graduate transfer point guard Devin Gage from DePaul and Kyle Harding from Hancock College, who are immediately eligible.
Fresno State also has been in the process of applying for transfer waivers for former Tulsa guard Isaiah Hill and Texas-El Paso guard Deon Stroud.
This story was originally published July 5, 2020 at 4:08 PM.