Michigan State’s Nick Ward Will Test NBA Waters
Michigan State big man Nick Ward is entering into the 2018 NBA Draft but will not hire an agent, meaning he could return to college.
Ward has until May 30 to withdraw from NBA Draft consideration and return to school. He can begin working out for NBA teams on April 24 and is eligible to to compete at the NBA Draft Combine between May 16 and 20 in Chicago.
“I fully support Nick’s decision to take the opportunity to explore his draft stock,” MSU head coach Tom Izzo said in a statement. “He has continued to improve and worked very hard over the last two years to put himself in this position. The process will allow him to receive direct feedback and an assessment as to where he stands in his dream to play at the highest level.”
Ward's announcement comes one day after fellow MSU sophomore Miles Bridges declared for the draft. Unlike Ward, though, Bridges hired an agent, meaning he has officially foregone his remaining NCAA eligibility.
In his sophomore season, Ward averaged 12.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He shot 64.8 percent from the field, which was second-best in the Big Ten. He was selected to the league's third-team all-conference squad by the media.