Sophomore center Chance Comanche announced via Twitter on Friday he will not return to Arizona next season, leaving instead for professional basketball after two seasons with the Wildcats.
Comanche entered the NBA draft pool last month but initially did not sign with an agent, leaving open the option to return to school by May 24. He posted today he made the decision to leave after careful consideration.
"I'm thankful to coach (Sean) Miller for giving me an opportunity to play and be a part of such a great program as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Tucson," Comanche wrote. "It's been a lifelong dream of mine to play in the NBA and I am looking forward to showcasing my talent during the draft process."
Comanche is not projected to be drafted and was not invited to the NBA Draft Combine next week in Chicago, but Miller said Wednesday that Comanche will have the opportunity to play in some individual team workouts. Comanche may also have a chance at one of the two-way contracts between the NBA and D-League that will pay players a minimum of $50,000.
If he is not drafted, Comanche will be the second UA player to have left for the NBA Draft only not to get picked, a fate that Brandon Ashley experienced in 2015.
If he returned to Arizona, Comanche was expected to play a similar reserve role to the one he played the last two seasons, since starting center Dusan Ristic is returning and the Wildcats are expected to start highly regarded big man DeAndre Ayton at power forward.
Comanche averaged 6.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 18.1 minutes last season for the Wildcats.
Comanche's decision comes just as UA is hosting transfers Chase Jeter and Cam Johnson this weekend, and leaves the Wildcats with two scholarship spots open for 2017-18. UA could have a third spot open if freshman wing Rawle Alkins decides to stay in the draft pool.
