Five-star Kuminga opts for G League

Jonathan Kuminga had one trick left up his sleeve when it came to announcing the next step in his career.

Instead of announcing on Thursday as planned, the former No. 1 ranked player in the class of 2021 told The Athletic's Shams Charania on Wednesday night that he will skip his senior year and enter the NBA G League's Pathway program.

A big and physical wing who has the size and skill to also play as a mobile four man on the next level, Kuminga's decision to go the pro route has been expected for some time. He just managed to catch everybody off guard by doing it a day early.

On the next level, athleticism and strength shouldn't be a problem. Kuminga is also underrated as a passer and can be a high-level defender when he is motivated. He scores on drives, loves to catch and operate from the elbow and is a streaky shooter from outside. Bottom line, when his motor is running and he's fully bought in to playing hard he is a problem. But, he'll have to learn that he can't just flip the switch.

In picking the G League Pathway he joins 2020 five-stars Jalen Green, Daishen Nix and Isaiah Todd along with four-star big man Kai Sotto. Five-star Josh Hall and four-star Kenyon Martin Jr. are also heading pro but both are Draft eligible.

Kuminga will enter the 2020 rankings at No. 3 over. He'll be replaced by Patrick Baldwin Jr. in the top spot of the 2021 class.