BYU forward Eric Mika announced he will declare for the 2017 NBA draft on March 22.
“I’m excited to declare for the NBA Draft and I’m looking forward to the process,” Mika said. “I have every intention of pursuing this opportunity with the hope of impressing NBA teams. I will work hard over the next several weeks to put myself in a position to be drafted. I’m optimistic about my chances.”
The 6-foot-10 inch sophomore said he will not be hiring an agent, keeping a return to the Cougars next fall as an option.
“I’m not hiring an agent because I believe it’s important to have options, and I don’t want to rule out the possibility of returning to BYU next season,” Mika said.
Mika averaged 20 points and nine rebounds per game this season for BYU with his best performance coming against No. 1 Gonzaga Feb. 25. He scored 29 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added two blocks in the upset at Spokane.
He was named to the All-West Coast Conference first team and was named the USBWA District VIII Player of the Year and NCAA.com’s national player of the week after defeating No. 1 Gonzaga.
BYU coach Dave Rose voiced his support of Mika’s decision.
“We support Eric and will do whatever we can to help him through this process,” Rose said. “Eric had an outstanding year for us. He worked incredibly hard coming off his mission to be ready for this past season, and I expect he’ll demonstrate that same work ethic throughout this process.”
Mika will be able to attend workouts with NBA teams beginning April 25 and could receive an invite to the NBA combine in Chicago, which begins on May 9.
He can maintain his eligibility at BYU by withdrawing from the draft by May 24.
