Arizona confirmed reserve center Chance Comanche will test the NBA Draft without hiring an agent.
He'll have until May 24, 10 days after the NBA Draft Combine, to decide if he wants to return. But it's not clear if he'll get an invitation to the combine, since there are only 60 spots.
βI am excited about the opportunity to explore my NBA options, gather information and dedicate the next month to reaching my goals of becoming an NBA player,β Comanche said in a UA statement. βAt the conclusion of this process, my family and I will make the best decision for my future both on and off the court. I also want to thank coach (Sean) Miller and the Arizona staff for supporting my decision.β
Comanche is not projected to be among the 60 players taken in the 2017 or 2018 drafts by Draft Express, but the scouting website said before last season that his size, length and athleticism are projectable to the pro level.
Comanche averaged 18.1 minutes and started two games last season, and is expected to play a backup role again next season behind Dusan Ristic and DeAndre Ayton if he returns. Moreover, Keanu Pinder gained some momentum in the rotation toward the end of last season as a power forward to be used in smaller frontcourt matchups.
The NCAA last year extended the deadline from mid-April until 10 days after the Combine last year, allowing players to theoretically get a better idea of where they stand before deciding whether or not to leave school.Β
A number of other Pac-12 players are taking advantage of the opportunity to test the draft, as Oregon's Tyler Dorsey and Dillon Brooks did last spring. Among those who have decided to test the draft this spring are Oregon State's Drew Eubanks and Stephen Thompson, Jr., UCLA's Ike Anigbogu, USC's Shaqquan Aaron and Bennie Boatwright, and Utah's Kyle Kuzma.
Here's a list of how early entries look nationally.
Coach Miles Simon (and star player Michael Porter Jr.) led USA to a 98-87 win over the World team in the Hoop Summit game on Friday in Portland.
Troy Brown made an impression in his new home state.
Former San Francisco commit Michael Carter III became Mike Hopkins' first recruit at Washington while Noah Dickerson is shopping around.
Departing Oregon forward Chris Boucher had his ACL surgery.
Craig Neal thanked New Mexico and its fans on his way out. (The Wildcats will finish their home-and-home series with the Lobos at Albuquerque next season).
T.J. McConnell compares statistically to Allen Iverson by one measure.
Former UA grad manager David Miller (son of former coach/analyst Dave Miller, not Sean) is rejoining Joe Pasternack at UC Santa Barbara as basketball ops director (read: coach-in-waiting).
Yes, the Miller brothers are pretty intense. Indiana fans will find that out, as Greg Doyel has about Archie.
Cal State Bakersfield finished with a record No. 59 in RPI, which was a small help to UA's eventual finish at No. 5.
