D.J. Wilson: 'Not An Easy Decision' To Remain In The NBA Draft
Michigan redshirt sophomore forward D.J. Wilson has confirmed he will forgo his final two seasons of eligibility and submit the necessary paperwork to remain as an early entrant into the 2017 NBA Draft.
"This was not an easy decision," he said. "However, I have thought long about the next step in my career over the last few months. After many prayers and discussions with my mom, Coach Beilein and the staff, it is the right time for me to pursue my dream of playing in the NBA.
"I am confident I have the drive, work ethic and maturity for this next step. It's never going to be easy, but if I have learned anything at Michigan, perseverance pays off. It has truly been a blessing to have had the opportunity to attend Michigan, and I will forever be grateful to Coach [John] Beilein and his staff for taking the chance on me. There are so many memories over the past three years that I will always cherish. I will be a Wolverine at heart forever. Go Blue!"
Wilson averaged 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in what is considered his first full season. He played in 31 games his first two years and started 36 of his 38 game last season.
Wilson led U-M with 203 rebounds, helping him become the first Wolverine to record 200-plus rebounds since Mitch McGary (2012-13). He added four double-doubles and became a threat from long range, making 41 triples while shooting 37.3 percent. His 57 blocks are the most in nine seasons by a Wolverine.
"D.J. and our coaching staff worked very hard over the last month to get as much information as possible on his draft status," Beilein said. "Given the data and insight we received, D.J. is confident he is ready to take the next step in his basketball career.
"We love D.J., and he will always be a Michigan Wolverine. His development over the past three seasons, and particularly this past season, was phenomenal. With continued work, he shows great potential to improve in a similar manner in the NBA. We wish him and his family the very best, and we will always be rooting for him during this draft process and for all the years to come."
Seven Wolverines have been selected during the NBA Draft during Beilein's tenure, with the latest coming in 2016 when Caris LeVert was chosen 20th overall by the Brooklyn Nets.
Over the last six drafts, Beilein's drafted player list includes: Darius Morris (2011, No. 41, Los Angeles), Trey Burke (2013, No. 9, Minnesota), Tim Hardaway Jr. (2013, No. 24, New York), Nik Stauskas (2014, No. 8, Sacramento), Mitch McGary (2014, No. 21, Oklahoma City), Glenn Robinson III (2014, No. 40, Minnesota) and LeVert.
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