For Michigan Basketball, the loss of Charles Matthews was a given, but Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis too? That potentially spells some pretty bad news for the Wolverines heading into next season.
Read the official press release below:
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Michigan men’s basketball players Charles Matthews, Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis announced today (Tuesday, April 9) they will all declare for early entry into the 2019 NBA Draft. All three Wolverines intend to sign with agents, who will work with the U-M coaching staff to assist student athletes through the evaluation and pre-draft processes.
“Charles, Jordan and Iggy have all decided to take the next steps in pursuing their dreams of playing in the NBA,” said Beilein. “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.”
Under newly adopted NCAA rules, college players are allowed to retain the services of an agent during the evaluation process. If they choose to return to school, they must end the relationship with the agent and they will not lose any eligibility. Additionally, players can also now return to school after going undrafted without losing eligibility, but only if they have participated in the NBA combine.
“Many people have known about my desire to play professionally, and my family and I are blessed to begin that process again,” said Matthews. “After gaining so much valuable information last year, I am looking forward to taking that next step. Everyone at Michigan holds a special place in my heart, especially Coach Beilein and the staff. They have helped make this opportunity for me and my family, and I will always be thankful. The journey has only just begun.”
After transferring from Kentucky, Matthews was instrumental in scout team preparations as a sophomore, helping U-M eventually win the 2017 Big Ten Tournament title. In his first eligible season, he helped the Wolverines to a program-record 33 wins, a second straight Big Ten Tournament title, the NCAA Final Four and national title game.
After testing the NBA Draft waters, he returned to Ann Arbor for his senior campaign. Posting 12.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, Matthews helped the Maize and Blue to a second straight 30-win season, a third straight trip to the Big Ten Tournament championship game, and a third straight NCAA Sweet 16 appearance. He received All-Big Ten honorable mention as well as a second straight Academic All-Big Ten award.
“The last two years here at Michigan have been amazing and filled with so many memories,” said Poole. “I’ve not only become a better player but a better individual. Being able to play in the NBA has always been my dream since I was young. 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.”
Becoming a full-time starter in his second season, Poole started all 37 games and doubled his offensive production from his freshman season with 12.8 points per game. Known for “The Shot” against Houston in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, Poole drained a team-best 75 three-pointers this season. Like Matthews, he was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.
In the last two season, Matthews and Poole helped U-M amass a 63-15 record.
“It was an amazing year for me in Ann Arbor,” said Brazdeikis. “There are many things I still want to accomplish, and pursuing a professional career is just one of them. My family and I want to take full advantage of the opportunities to see where I fit in the NBA Draft. It’s an exciting time, and I just cannot wait to get started.”
Brazdeikis stepped onto campus and immediately made an impact in the U-M lineup, starting all 37 games in his first season. He became the first freshman to lead the Wolverines in scoring (14.8 ppg) since Trey Burke (2011-12) and added 5.4 rebounds and 56 three-pointers. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year as well as an All-Big Ten second team and All-Big Ten Freshman Team honoree. Brazdeikis added Associated Press Newcomer of the Year, USBWA All-District V and NABC District 7 All-District second team accolades.
Off hand I’m trying to make sense of the Poole and Brazdeikis decisions. Has a 20-year-old Brazdeikis reached his collegiate ceiling?
Perhaps.
Are the rumors true that Jordan Poole isn’t happy at Michigan and looking to make an early jump to the NBA?
It’s possible.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not telling these guys they shouldn’t make the transition to the pros. If they’re going to get advised that they have a good chance on with an NBA squad then by all means. However I don’t think I’m going off a limb here when I say another year at Michigan certainly wouldn’t hurt either player. Hell if Charlie Matthews can get another year of eligibility with the Wolverines then he should take it.
What I am saying is there’s an extremely good chance the second round of the NBA Draft for both Iggy and Poole (at the very least) are going to be there for them next year. Why not take a relatively low risk bet on yourself to better your draft stock for the 2020 draft?