Sophomore forward Nick Ward will submit his name for this year's NBA draft, but won't hire an agent, according to a press release.
Ward is the second Spartan to submit his name for the NBA draft, with the first being sophomore wing Miles Bridges, who announced his departure Wednesday.
Head coach Tom Izzo said in the release he fully supports Ward's decision to "take the opportunity to explore his draft stock."
"He has continued to improve and worked very hard over the last two years to put himself in this position," Izzo said. "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.”
The Gahanna, Ohio native will have the opportunity to start attending workouts with teams April 24 and if eligible, can compete in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago from May 16-20.
He then has until May 30 to decide whether or not he wants keep his name in or withdraw and return to MSU. The NBA draft takes place on June 21 at the Barclays Center in New York City.
In 35 games this season, Ward was third on the team in scoring with 12.4 points per game, was the team's leading rebounder with 7.1 rebounds per game and shot 64.8 percent from the floor, which is second in the Big Ten.
The 6-foot-8 forward also only played 16 minutes in MSU's second round loss to Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
