The NBA has unveiled the roster of players invited to the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, and former Gonzaga men’s basketball standout Anton Watson is notably absent from the list.
Among those invited is Michael Ajayi, who recently transferred to Gonzaga in late April. Ajayi had declared for the 2024 NBA Draft in early April while maintaining his college eligibility. However, it is anticipated, based on current mock drafts, that Ajayi will withdraw his name from consideration by the May 29 deadline, as per NCAA regulations.
Highlighted invitees include former Gonzaga guard Hunter Sallis, USC’s Bronny James, San Francisco’s Jonathan Mogbo, Grand Canyon’s Tyon Grant-Foster, Weber State’s Dillon Jones, and BYU’s Jaxson Robinson.
Watson, having exhausted his college eligibility, had entered the pre-draft process last year but opted to withdraw his name and return to Gonzaga for a fifth season. Nonetheless, Watson still has the opportunity to secure an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine should he perform well at the 2024 NBA G League Elite Camp. The official list for this camp has yet to be released.
As stated in the NBA’s press release, “a select number of standout players from the 2024 NBA G League Elite Camp, which takes place May 10-11 at Wintrust Arena, will be invited to participate in the 2024 NBA Draft Combine following that event.”
Watson’s achievements during his fifth year at Gonzaga, including being named to the All-WCC first team, where he recorded career highs in various statistical categories, reflect his potential for the professional level. Assistant coach Brian Michaelson has emphasized how Watson’s versatile skill set aligns with the demands of the modern NBA, particularly praising his defensive adaptability and improving shooting abilities.
