Wisconsin junior Sam Dekker has decided to forego his final season of eligibility and put his name in the 2015 NBA Draft, the school announced Friday.
“After lots of thoughts and prayers, I’ve decided that it is in my best interest to enter the NBA Draft at this time,” Dekker said in a release. “It is difficult to leave Madison and the only state I’ve called home, but I’m excited for the next chapter of my life.”
Dekker, a 6-foot-9 forward, had been a projected first round pick all season and garnered national attention during Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament run. Dekker averaged 19.2 points in the Badgers’ six postseason games, including a 27-point performance against Arizona in the Elite Eight.
He is now listed as high as a top-10 pick in some mock drafts.
“I truly can’t say thank you enough to my teammates, coaches, training staff and the fans, for everything they’ve done,” Dekker said. “I am so grateful for the opportunities Coach [Bo] Ryan and UW-Madison have given me. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my experience.”
