UNC sophomore guard Kerwin Walton is entering his name into the NBA Draft but will retain college eligibility, Inside Carolina confirmed Wednesday morning. Walton will go through a process known throughout college basketball as ‘testing the waters,’ where a player receives feedback from NBA scouts as to what aspects to work on to improve his professional outlook.

Walton started just one game for Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels this season, after starting 20 games during his freshman year. His scoring and shooting percentages all took significant dips in 2022, with his three-point percentage dropping from 42 percent to 35 percent.

Walton’s involvement in the offense in 2022 was brushed to the side as Caleb Love, R.J. Davis and Brady Manek all became key offensive cogs in the second half of the season. After being Carolina’s leading outside shooter in 2021, Walton took just six shots and played just 29 total minutes in UNC’s final 13 games of 2022. He reached double figures only three times during the season and only once after New Year’s Day.

Walton will have until June 1 to pull his name out of the draft process and be able to return to Chapel Hill next season. The NBA Draft Combine will take place from May 16 through May 22.

 

Featured image via Todd Melet

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