Observers of Utah’s basketball program were mildly alarmed this week when forward Donnie Tillman filed for early eligibility in the NBA draft. Following the news that center Jayce Johnson is in the NCAA transfer portal, Tillman’s move seemed like another setback.
My interpretation? If anything, the way that Tillman is viewing his basketball future should be considered healthy for himself and the Utes. Tillman's going through the NBA's evaluation process in advance of his junior season is a lot better than going into the transfer portal, from Utah's standpoint.
Sedrick Barefield did the same thing last spring, and he became a better player as a senior.