Loretto, Pa. - Saint Francis junior guard Keith Braxton (Glassboro, N.J./Delsea) has announced his intention to put his name in the upcoming 2019 NBA Draft.

Braxton, a two-time First Team All-NEC selection, became the first NEC Player of the Year from SFU since Mike Iuzzolino in 1991 with his selection this season. He also became the first AP All-American since Jeff Hamilton in 1985, garnering Honorable Mention recognition. With a return for his senior season, he has a chance to join the legendary Maurice Stokes as the only 2,000 point, 1,000 rebound players in program history.

"After much deliberation with my family, coaches and teammates, I have decided to put my name into the 2019 NBA Draft," said Braxton. "I am excited to collect feedback from the NBA to help me become a better basketball player, leader and teammate. While I am keeping all options open, I fully intend to return to Saint Francis for my senior season and finish what I have started with my brothers. I want to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey to help me get to where I am today. As always, GO FLASH!"

Entering the draft allows the 6'5" Braxton to participate in pre-draft workouts and receive an evaluation from NBA scouts detailing what areas of his game need improvement.
 
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is April 21. Players who do elect to declare early will have until the NCAA deadline of May 29 to withdraw from the draft and retain their college eligibility.

Due to an NCAA rule change instituted this year, players are allowed to hire an agent without forfeiting their college eligibility. Braxton has not yet hired an agent but intends to do so. Players can also elect to return to school if they go undrafted, but this rule only applies to players who participated in the NBA Draft Combine.

"This is a great opportunity for Keith to grow as a basketball player," said head coach Rob Krimmel. "His drive and passion to become the best player possible is one of the things that make him so special. I am excited to see his growth as a player over the course of the next several months. "

The 2019 NBA Draft will be held on June 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The last Saint Francis player to be drafted was Iuzzolino in the 1991 NBA Draft.. He was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2nd round with the 35th overall pick.