Arizona’s Chance Comanche to stay in NBA Draft
May 5, 2017, 12:16 PM
Arizona center Chance Comanche (21) looks to pass as North Dakota center Carson Shanks (5) defends during the first half of a first-round game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament Thursday, March 16, 2017, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/George Frey)
(AP Photo/George Frey)
Chance Comanche had until May 24, 10 days after the NBA Scouting Combine, to determine whether he wanted to remain in the NBA Draft or return to the University of Arizona for his junior season.
He did not need that much time.
On Friday, Comanche announced via Twitter he intended to remain in the draft, foregoing his final two years of college eligibility.
— Chance Comanche (@comanche2414) May 5, 2017
The 6-foot-11, 215-pound Comanche’s role expanded last season as a sophomore, as he appeared in 37 games — starting two — and averaged 6.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per outing.
A four-star recruit out of California, he was not among the 67 players invited to the NBA Draft Combine, and as of now is not found on most mock drafts.
Comanche is the third Wildcat from last season’s team to head to the pros early, joining freshmen Lauri Markkanen and Kobi Simmons. Another key Arizona player, Kadeem Allen, was a senior and no longer has any NCAA eligibility.
The Wildcats’ leading scorer from last season, Allonzo Trier, announced he would return for his junior year.
Comanche’s decision now leaves Arizona with one player whose future remains cloudy, as freshman Rawle Alkins is going through the draft process but has not hired an agent.
