Xavier sophomore Semaj Christon has announced that he will declare for the 2014 NBA Draft, telling Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com of his decision (H/T Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv). “It’s been my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA,” said Christon. “Xavier has been a great experience, but now it’s time for me to move onto a different chapter in my life for me and my family.” Christon is currently projected as a secound round pick, with Chad Ford of ESPN.com ranking him as the 45th best prospect, and Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress projecting him at 43rd overall. A veteran scout tells Zagoria that area in the second round is Christon’s range. The scout adds that Christon would likely spend time in the D-Leauge next year.
The 6’3″ point guard averaged 16.2 points and 4.4 assists per game for his college career with a .462/.388/.670 slash line. Christon finished sixth in Big East scoring this year at 17.0 points per game, earning Big East first-team honors. Christon’s length, athleticism, and ball handling are strengths he has displayed as an NBA prospect. He projects as a good defender and scorer, but hasn’t established himself as a distributor or shooter.