The Major League Lacrosse (MLL) draft is slated for May 4th and with that in mind, the league has taken a step to make things easier on players to register. Due to the uncertainty created by COVID-19, the league has created a player registration portal where 2020 NCAA seniors can register if they want to be selected in the Collegiate Draft.
“Due to the ambiguity of status for players in the 2020 NCAA senior class, MLL has established a registration portal,” said Alexander Brown, Major League Lacrosse Commissioner. “The portal will allow players to register their intent to move on from NCAA play and inform MLL coaches which 2020 NCAA seniors are committed and available for the 2020 MLL season.”
There is a lot of confusion in the air for NCAA seniors this year due to the fact that the NCAA Division I Council announced extended eligibility for student-athletes who were impacted by COVID-19. In theory this could take some seniors out of the market for going pro in 2020 with MLL. On MLL’s part the creation of the portal is smart as it will provide the coaches of all six teams the ability to see every player who has interest in being selected. Per the league every time a player registers the coaches will be made aware and have access to the portal.
That being said, the selections in the 2020 draft do not have to be limited to those who have registered. Coaches can select any player that has been listed on the 2020 NCAA senior class. To solve the extended eligibility matter any player who is drafted by an MLL team and decides to return to NCAA play the team that drafted the player will retain their rights for one year. In addition, if a player is not drafted by an MLL team but decides to not return to NCAA play they can register for the MLL Player Pool.
So what’s the point in registering in this new portal? Boston Cannons Head Coach Sean Quirk states it best.
“Seniors registered in the Collegiate Draft Registration Portal will get the first look by coaches,” said Sean Quirk, Head Coach for the Boston Cannons. “Players who are serious about their interest and commitment to play in MLL this season can signal that to us, through registering.”
For those who are worried about social distancing at the May 4th draft it is important to note that it will be conducted remotely via a league-wide teleconference starting at 8:00 pm EDT. To keep track of the draft stay tuned to both the league and teams social media platforms and check here on Trifecta Sports for the Boston Cannons information which will be live blogged.
