Dalano Banton is ready to see how his unique game will translate to the next level.
A source confirmed Friday morning that Nebraska's 6-foot-9 guard would keep his name in the NBA Draft after a series of strong performances in front of NBA scouts, and Banton made his decision public later in the day on social media.
"Husker Nation, thank you. These past two years in Lincoln have been life changing. I'll cherish that time forever," Banton wrote. "After receiving feedback from NBA teams, I've decided to keep my name in the NBA Draft.
"I wouldn't be here without the support of my coaches, family, teammates and everyone who supported me along the way. Thank you Husker Nation, I'll always bleed red and white!"
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Banton, whose unique game and near 7-foot wingspan first intrigued as a college prospect, played just one season at Nebraska after transferring from Western Kentucky before the 2019-20 season.Â
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The fourth-year sophomore, after announcing May 31 he would declare for the NBA Draft while retaining his college eligibility, did not receive an invite to the NBA Draft Combine.
But, when an injury to Houston star DeJon Jarreau opened up a spot in the NBA’s G League Elite Camp, Banton received an invitation and performed well, leading the camp in rebounds and assists.
Banton has also taken part in workouts for several NBA teams. And reports have indicated the point guard has excelled in those settings.
“We talk every day, just about the process of what’s going on,†NU coach Fred Hoiberg said in mid-June. “It’s, for him, a great opportunity to go out there and get a feel for what the pre-draft process is like. And I’m going to help navigate (him) through it and try to be as honest as I can.â€
Banton’s innate feel for the game offensively, and his ability to guard multiple positions and to crash the boards, caught the attention of several scouts and draft experts throughout the summer.
But the Toronto native shot 24.7% from three-point range for NU in 2020-21, and that deficiency kept him from rising too high on NBA Draft boards before his recent run of strong play.
According to one report, Banton went 68-for-100 on three-pointers during a spot shooting drill at a pro day in Chicago, and followed that up by hitting 3-of-6 from long range in live play.
"(Banton) worked hard in the gym and the weight room this offseason and performed well at both the G League Elite Camp and in individual workouts with teams over the past few weeks," NU coach Fred Hoiberg said in a news release. "We will do everything we can to support him as he pursues his goal of playing in the NBA."
Banton started 22 games for Nebraska last season, averaging 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
He scored in double figures nine straight times to open the season, including a season-high 18 points against Nevada and 17 against Georgia Tech and Michigan. He also put together the second triple-double in program history in Nebraska's win over Doane.
But Nebraska’s three-week COVID-19 shutdown affected Banton as much or perhaps more than anyone else on the roster. He came off the bench for Nebraska’s final five games as Kobe Webster took his place in the starting lineup.
Banton ended the season as the first Husker since 1974 to lead the team in rebounds and assists in the same season.
Banton's departure leaves Nebraska with two open scholarships for the 2021-22 season.