Hawkeyes: Iowa’s Sandfort joins draft and retains eligibility.
Payton Sandfort, an Iowa All-Big Ten standout, is testing the waters for the NBA draft.
The versatile 6-7 junior from Waukee is coming off a stellar season in which he finished second in the Big Ten in free throw percentage (91.1), third in 3-point shooting (37.9 percent), ninth in scoring (16.4 ppg), 12th in field goal percentage (44.6), and 13th in rebounding (6.6).
Sandfort also averaged 2.7 assists per game and set a school record on Feb. 27 against Penn State, scoring 26 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists.
Sandfort’s name became well-known among NBA scouts and draft insiders following that performance.
“It has been a dream come true to represent this program and my state the past three seasons as a Hawkeye,” Sandfort said in a statement provided by the school. “Every day, I pushed myself to ensure the success of our team. I’ve enjoyed every moment of being a Hawkeye.
Sandfort might yet decide to return to Iowa. The decision-making deadline is May 29. For the first time, the NBA Draft will be held over two days on June 26 and 27 in Brooklyn, New York.
