While most expected Mitch McGary to leave college early and pursue his NBA career, no one can say that they saw this coming.
McGary announced Friday morning that he is joining fellow University of Michigan teammates Nik Stauskas and Glenn Robinson III in declaring for the 2014 NBA Draft. Much of this decision, however, wasn’t really his decision, as he also said that he failed an NCAA-administered drug test during the NCAA tournament last month. McGary was facing a 1-year suspension from college basketball, and ultimately made the decision to head to the NBA rather than try to return to Michigan for his senior season in 2015-16.
“My family and I want to thank everyone for giving us privacy and the time to make this decision,” McGary said in a Michigan press release, “As you know, it was important for us to weigh all the factors that go into something like this. With that being said, I am ready to move on to the next stage in my life and enter the NBA Draft.
“Being a part of a program that values integrity, it is important to let everyone know of a poor decision I recently made. I tested positive for marijuana during the NCAA Tournament. We were notified of that result after the Final Four. I regret thoroughly disappointing my family, coaches and administration. Despite all of this they have been understanding and helpful over the last couple of weeks.
“I take full responsibility for this poor choice and want to apologize to everyone, especially those I have grown close to during my fabulous two years at the University of Michigan.
“I love the University of Michigan and all it has allowed me to do. I have had my ups and downs, especially with my injury this season. I want to thank all the fans for embracing me. This has been the best two years of my life and I have some unbelievable memories. I know that I will be a Wolverine forever. Go Blue.”
Mitch McGary also said that he would have considered returning to Michigan for his Junior season, had he only failed a Michigan drug test and subsequently faced a much lighter suspension. McGary is expected to be drafted in the late-first or early-second round of the draft, a steep fall from the sure-fire lottery pick that he would have been had he not bypassed the opportunity to enter the 2013 NBA Draft last year.
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