Ignas Brazdeikis will attempt to become John Beilein’s first ever one-and-done.
The freshman forward told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony on Tuesday afternoon that he will hire an agent and enter the NBA Draft. And he’ll be followed by Jordan Poole and Charles Matthews. All three intend to sign with agents, per a release from the program.
“Charles, Jordan and Iggy have all decided to take the next steps in pursuing their dreams of playing in the NBA,” said Michigan coach John Beilein, per the release. “The new process is a unique experience and one that my staff and I will assist in every way we can. We want each of them to utilize this opportunity to get more feedback so they can make the best decision possible for themselves and their families. All three are remarkable young men with amazing futures in front on them.”
After Michigan’s loss in the Sweet Sixteen to Texas Tech, Matthews was widely expected to declare for the draft and stay in it. Those inside the program openly acknowledged that it would be his last year in Ann Arbor, and Matthews was even honored on senior night despite having a year of eligibility left.
“Many people have known about my desire to play professionally, and my family and I are blessed to begin that process again,” Matthews said, per the release.
Brazdeikis and Poole, on the other hand, were both expected to at least test the waters. Based on ESPN’s report, it seems that Brazdeikis is gone for good.
“My intent is to be drafted this year as high as I can be,” Brazdeikis told ESPN.
The freshman was Michigan’s leading scorer and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Per ESPN, he will be represented by YouFirst Sports.
As of publication, Brazdeikis has not responded to a text from The Daily.
The Wolverines have had players good enough to leave after one year during the Beilein era, namely Trey Burke, but none have. At least until now.
After Michigan lost to Texas Tech in the Sweet Sixteen, Brazdeikis and Poole were mum about a potential decision, but this will come as no surprise.
It’s less clear whether Poole will stay in the draft than the other two. Thanks to new rules changes, players can now hire agents and still withdraw from the draft if they so decide.
“Being able to play in the NBA has always been my dream since I was young,” Poole said in the release. “I am confident that with my faith in God and hard work that I, and my family, are prepared to look at all options and make the right decision for the next step of my playing career.”