CINCINNATI – Xavier forward Kaiser Gates announced on social media Saturday that he will forego his senior season to pursue a pro career.
To the next chapter: pic.twitter.com/gpSM6LMaNx
— Kaiser Gates (@Kaisergates) May 5, 2018
New Xavier head coach Travis Steele tweeted his best wishes.
Good luck to @Kaisergates as he takes the next step in his life. Kaiser is a Xavier Musketeer for life! https://t.co/wFN0ykqqP3
— Travis Steele (@CoachSteeleXU) May 5, 2018
Wishing nothing but the best to @Kaisergates and the Gates Family! 3 years, 3 trips to the NCAA Tournament and a BIG EAST Championship. Always a Musketeer! pic.twitter.com/vht37kTF90
— Xavier Basketball (@XavierMBB) May 5, 2018
Gates did not confirm an NBCSports.com report that he has hired an agent, which would prevent him from playing anymore for an NCAA school.
Gates may be looking at pro opportunities in Europe because he’s a longshot to be one of the 60 players selected in the NBA draft on June 21, if mock drafts are any indication.
Gates' name doesn’t show up in mock drafts by ESPN, The Sporting News or Bleacher Report.
On the other hand, Cincinnati junior guard Jason Evans is considered a first-round pick by TSN (21st) and Bleacher Report (28th). Evans has not yet hired an agent and could still return to UC, though his high draft prospects make that unlikely.
The 6-foot-8 Gates averaged 7.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 23.8 minutes per last season.
Adding Gates to the losses of Trevon Bluiett, J.P. Macura, Sean O’Mara and Kerem Kanter will give Xavier almost a completely new lineup underSteele.
