Report: Arizona Wildcats forward Brandon Ashley to enter NBA Draft
Apr 6, 2015, 4:31 PM | Updated: 6:01 pm
Looks like the Arizona Wildcats have lost another member of their starting lineup.
According to CBS Sports.com’s Jon Rothstein, forward Brandon Ashley will skip his senior season and enter the 2015 NBA Draft.
The 6-9, 230-pound Ashley, who is expected to be a mid-to-late second-round pick, averaged 12.2 points and 5.2 rebounds this season for the Wildcats.
Ashley, though, disputed the report:
As of now, I haven't come to a decision about my future. I'm currently talking with my mother and Coach to ensure the right decision is made
— Brandon Ashley (@_Bash21) April 6, 2015
Ashley has had an interesting three-year run with the Wildcats. After a solid freshman season in which he averaged 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, he emerged as a key part in Arizona’s 21-0 start in 2013-14 while averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest.
However, a broken foot suffered in Arizona’s 22nd game ended his season, as he was forced to watch Arizona’s Elite 8 run from the bench.
This season, the 6-foot-9 junior averaged 12.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game as the Wildcats once again reached the Elite 8. He scored 17 points and grabbed four rebounds in just 21 minutes in Arizona’s season-ending loss to Wisconsin.
Should Ashley decide to turn pro, he will not be the only key player the team will go forward without. Arizona will lose senior T.J. McConnell from its starting lineup. Forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and guard Stanley Johnson are also expected to leave school early for the NBA, though no decision has been announced.
