MGoBlue.com is reporting that U-M guard Darius Morris will forego his junior
season with the Wolverines and remain as an early entry for the NBA Draft.
Here are statements from Morris and Wolverines head coach John Beilein…
“There have been long discussions with my family, friends and my Michigan coaches,” said Morris. “After gathering all the information possible, I have decided to stay in the NBA Draft and pursue my dream of playing professional basketball.
“This was a difficult decision; however, in the end I decided to go with my heart. Playing professional basketball has always been a dream for me. I feel this is the right time for me to pursue that goal. It will be hard to leave the University of Michigan; however, I truly believe the basketball program is moving in a very positive direction.
“First of all I want to thank everyone at the University of Michigan and all its great fans. I would not be in the position I am today without the guidance of Coach (John) Beilein and his staff. I appreciate all the support I have received from all my teammates and everyone involved with the program. I will forever be a Michigan Wolverine. Lastly, and most importantly, I must thank God for blessing me with this opportunity.”
“We, as a staff, have watched Darius grow as a person and as a player these past two years,” said Michigan head coach John Beilein. “His improvement on the court has been the result of his God-given talent and his intense desire to become the best player he can be. His work habits, especially in our individual skill development time, have been outstanding, and we all witnessed the results of his efforts this season.
“Over the past month, we have worked with the NBA advisory committee and several NBA teams by gathering information to assist Darius and his family in exploring his options. We know they put a lot of thought into this important decision.
“Darius has been a catalyst in the continued growth of our program and we wish him nothing but the best in his professional basketball career and beyond. He will always be a Michigan Wolverine.”
After posting amazing numbers with the Wolverines this past season as a sophomore it was long rumored prior to his early entry for the NBA Draft that Morris would consider making the jump.
There is still an outside chance that Morris could return and play with the Wolverines next season. Since he still hasn’t hired an agent yet, if he goes un-drafted he can petition the University of Michigan within 30 days of the NBA Draft. However, many NBA mock drafts have Morris going at the end of the first round or early in the second round.
In his two years at Michigan Morris started in 53 of 67 games compiling 666 points (9.9 ppg), 197 rebounds (2.9 rpg) and 319 assists (4.76 apg). Morris also recorded the third triple-double in U-M history with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists against Iowa on January 30th of this past season.
UPDATE: Morris has hired an agent meaning he CAN NOT return to the University of Michigan if he goes un-drafted.
Source: MGoBlue.com, DraftExpress
