Wednesday marked the deadline for all players with college eligibility remaining to decide whether or not they want to remain committed to the NBA Draft, or return to school. Michigan saw two of its big men — D.J. Wilson and Moritz Wagner — declare early.
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The latter Wagner decided early on Wednesday that he would return to school for his junior year. His teammate, now former, Wilson has decided to keep his name in the NBA Draft pool, according to reports.
Reports: D.J. Wilson will leave Michigan, stay in the NBA Draft: https://t.co/uB4bqLa1qB pic.twitter.com/LAK2T8GRZS
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) May 24, 2017
Michigan makes it official: D.J. Wilson is going pro. From the press release -> pic.twitter.com/vtaYGzD53t
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) May 24, 2017
D.J. Wilson becomes the eighth underclassman to enter the draft in John Beilein's 10-year tenure at Michigan. pic.twitter.com/ca8b1dhdcG
— Brendan Quinn (@BFQuinn) May 24, 2017
Wilson, who was more heralded than Wagner according to NBA scouts and executives, says it is the “right time” for him to make this life-changing decision.
“This was not an easy decisions,” Wilson said in a press release. “However, I have thought long about the next step in my career over the last few months,” said Wilson. “After many prayers and discussions with my mom, Coach Beilein and the staff, it is the right time for me to pursue my dream of playing in the NBA.
“I am confident I have the drive, work ethic and maturity for this next step.”
Wilson definitely did not wow with his numbers, as his erratic production at times in college leaves a number of questions for NBA clubs. However, his measurable seemed to really impress the scouts and show his true upside at the pro level.
According to DraftExpress, Wilson is pegged to go somewhere in the late first round or early second round. Currently, they list him as being the No. 30 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft (June 22 @ 7 p.m. ET on ESPN). They also list him as the 8th-best sophomore in the crop of players declaring for the NBA, and No. 3 among players from Big Ten schools, behind only Michigan State’s Miles Bridges (who has announced his return to school for his sophomore season) and Indiana’s OG Anunoby.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR MICHIGAN
Michigan has been awaiting decisions from both Wagner and Wilson pertaining to their available scholarships for next season. With Wagner returning and Wilson leaving, here is how it currently looks.
Updated look at Michigan's scholarship picture: pic.twitter.com/pYKYYmZ9tN
— Brendan Quinn (@BFQuinn) May 24, 2017
Having at least Wagner back takes a big weight of the shoulders of some notable players, namely freshmen Jon Teske and Austin Davis, both of whom are at least 6-foot-10 in height. No question that Wagner will be “the guy” down low next season for the Wolverines.
