Isaiah Wong declares for NBA Draft, but leaves open option to return to Hurricanes
Isaiah Wong will test the NBA Draft for the second year in a row but left open the possibility of returning to the University of Miami next season.
The Hurricanes guard posted his decision on Twitter Monday morning, saying “I will be declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft, while maintaining my eligibility. I’m extremely confident in what lies ahead. Let’s get it!”
Wong, a third-team All-ACC pick, averaged 15.2 points for UM this past season and helped lead the team to the Elite Eight. He also had 4.3 rebounds and two assists per game. Over three seasons he averaged 13.3 points, four rebounds and 1.8 assists.
If he does not sign with an agent, he leaves open the option of returning to college basketball, where NIL deals are allowing athletes to make money.
He thanked UM coach Jim Larranaga and staff and the Hurricanes fans.
To his mother LaChelle, his brothers Terrence, Brian and Elijah, and mentor Terrell Myers he wrote: “Thank you for always believing in me, even when others doubted me. You have always been my rock and foundation; I hope to one day give you the world and life you deserve.”
Wong entered his name in the draft last spring but opted to return for his third season. If he leaves, the only returning starter will be forward Jordan Miller. Larranaga is restocking the roster with freshmen and transfers. Kansas State transfer Nijel Pack, rated among the top three in the transfer portal, announced during the weekend that he is attending UM, and Life Wallet owner John Ruiz later announced that Pack had signed an NIL deal with the company worth an estimated $800,000. The Hurricanes are also a finalist for highly touted Arkansas State transfer Norchad Omier, a native of Nicaragua with Miami ties.
This story was originally published April 25, 2022 at 11:25 AM.