Auburn center Austin Wiley has put his name into the NBA draft pool after being held out last season but doesn’t plan to hire an agent.
Wiley announced his decision Tuesday, becoming the third player to declare for the draft from the Tigers, who shared the Southeastern Conference regular season title with Tennessee. He has until June 11 to withdraw his name if he doesn’t hire an agent.
The NCAA ruled Wiley ineligible for last season after his family allegedly accepted money from former associate head coach Chuck Person. Person has been charged as part of a federal probe into corruption in college basketball.
The NCAA has said Wiley would be eligible next season. Forward Danjel Purifoy also was held out all season and will have to sit out part of next season, too.
“In spite of all that we went through this season, Austin is still in a great position to accomplish all of his goals,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. “I think as much as any player in the country who is testing the waters, Austin has the greatest chance to move up in the draft. He’s in great physical condition and has worked extremely hard. He will be impressive at the Combine.”
A five-star prospect, the 6-foot-11, 260-pound Wiley enrolled in midseason as a freshman and averaged 8.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He was named captain of the 2017 USA U19 World Cup team.
Point guard Jared Harper and Mustapha Heron have also entered the draft. Heron indicated he planned to hire an agent.
(Associated Press, copyright 2018)
