Aztecs’ Jordan Schakel declares for NBA draft
Credit: AP Photo
San Diego State Aztecs forward Jordan Schakel announced Monday that he is leaving SDSU and will be entering the NBA draft.
#AztecForLife pic.twitter.com/YgSpJsuQ3l
— Jordan Schakel (@jordanschakel) March 29, 2021
In any normal year, it would be a given that Schakel is not returning following his senior year. However, given the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, all players were given a year of extra eligibility after this year, which allows all seniors to return if they wanted to.
The Aztecs will certainly miss Schakel’s elite three-point shooting and stellar perimeter defense in the 2021-22 season.
In his Aztecs career of four seasons, Schakel played in 121 total games, 74 of which were starts. He averaged 8.5 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game. His best asset is the three-ball, shooting 42.7% from deep on 527 attempts. Schakel finishes his career third in SDSU history for three-pointers made at 225.
Jordan Schakel is participating in this year's NCAA 3 Point shooting contest on Thursday.
— Paul Garrison (@PadreDeCuatro) March 29, 2021
Shackel’s best season came as a senior in 2020-21. He totaled 14.4 PPG and 4.4 RPG, which were drastic improvements on his career marks, and is a big reason why he is going pro.
Although his departure is unfortunate for the Aztecs, it does open up a scholarship for next season’s roster. Recent trends seem to point towards more activity in the transfer portal, which is extra crowded given the extra year of eligibility.
Thank you for everything, @jordanschakel.
The Mesa is a better place because of you. #AztecForLife https://t.co/DTJk3YDCNC
— San Diego State Men's Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) March 29, 2021
Point guard Terrell Gomez already announced his departure, and Matt Mitchell and head coach made it out that Mitchell will also not exercise his extra year. Other seniors Trey Pulliam and Josh Tomaic, are yet to make their decisions on returning.
Shackel makes appearances in some NBA mock drafts, but his “three-and-D” style of play will garner a lot of attention from scouts. If drafted, that would make three straight years of an Aztecs being drafted, which I’m sure is something Dutcher would use in recruiting.
Dominic is a graduate of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Journalism. He also is the producer and co-host of the “Padres EVT Podcast.”