Arizona Wildcats PG Nico Mannion declares for NBA Draft

Arizona Wildcats point guard and local high school product Nico Mannion has declared for the NBA Draft, he announced Tuesday on Twitter.

Mannion departs Arizona after one season and is expected to be a lottery pick.

“I have decided to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft,” his statement read. “I want to thank everyone who has truly helped me throughout my journey, you know who you are, including Coach [Sean] Miller for giving me the opportunity to play in front of the best fans in the country. I’ll always be proud to be part of the Wildcat family! Lastly, I want to give special thanks to my parents for giving my unmatched support and love. Couldn’t do it without you guys.”

Mannion went to Pinnacle High School in Phoenix and was one of the top recruits in the nation when he joined the Wildcats.

In his freshman season at Arizona, Mannion averaged 14.0 points, 5.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 32.3 minutes. He ranked second on the team in points per game and led in assists by a wide margin.

“My international experience will be a big plus,” Mannion told ESPN, referring to playing for Italy in the World Cup Qualifiers in 2018. “Having played international ball at the U16s and against pros with the men’s team. I think I proved that I belonged at the Hoop Summit, that I’m one of the best pure point guards in this draft. People saw prior to college that I can really shoot the ball, even if I didn’t shoot as well as I can this season at Arizona.”

Mannion’s father, Pace Mannion, was the 43rd overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in 1983.

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