UCLA guard Jaylen Clark announced Wednesday on social media that he has declared for the 2023 NBA draft after a productive year in which the junior pick up several season awards.
He did not specify if he’ll hire an agent or retain his college eligibility.
Clark was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 13 points, six rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.9 assists in 30 games. He finished sixth in the country in steals per game, second in defensive box plus-minus (plus-6.7) and 12th in defensive win shares (2.7).
He was also named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive team.
The draft announcement comes nearly one month after Clark suffered a season-ending leg injury on March 4. He said there is no timetable for his return to the court after undergoing surgery two days after suffering the injury.
Manifested this🖤 pic.twitter.com/PS6y9h47mz
— Jaylen (@jayl7en) March 29, 2023
Clark is projected to be a second-round pick in the draft given his ability on defense. Prospects have the opportunity to improve their draft stock in various workouts and scouting events, though it is unclear when Clark can be cleared to resume on-court activities.
He has until May 31 to withdraw from the draft and return to school.
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