Tag: jaden akins nba draft

Tom Izzo provides statement on Jaden Akins entering NBA Draft while maintaining eligibility

Head coach Tom Izzo provides his thoughts on starting guard Jaden Akins entering NBA Draft while maintaining eligibility

Michigan State basketball could be losing a key starter off next year’s team.

Spartans guard Jaden Akins announced late last week that he would test the draft waters and enter his name into the NBA Draft while still maintaining his eligibility. This means Akins will have the ability to go through the draft evaluation process and return to Michigan State should he get feedback that he’s not happy with.

So what does head coach Tom Izzo think of Akins’ decision to enter the NBA Draft? He’s in full support of Akins’ choice.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Izzo issued a statement after the Akins news broke, and said Michigan State will “celebrate the accomplishment” if the feedback he receives suggests he’ll be drafted in a spot best for him. On the flip side, if Akins were to return to Michigan State, Izzo said “we will immediately get to work for next season” and the Spartans “will take the information he gathers and use it to his advantage as he continues to develop.”

Check out the complete statement from Izzo below:

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on Twitter @RobertBondy5.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1363]

Jaden Akins declares for NBA Draft, maintains his eligibility for possible return to MSU

A key piece for Michigan State basketball could be heading to the NBA earlier than we anticipated

A key piece for Michigan State basketball could be heading to the NBA earlier than we anticipated.

Michigan State guard Jaden Akins announced on Friday that he has declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility. So this means he will seek NBA evaluation and determine if he’d like to leave his name in the draft or return to Michigan State for his junior season in 2023-24.

Akins averaged 9.8 points and 4 rebounds per game this past year. He started 25 of the 30 games he played in, and was expected to be one of the Spartans top players on next year’s loaded team.

If Akins were to leave, it would be a significant loss to Michigan State but not one they wouldn’t be able to manage since they are deep in the back court. If he returns, then Michigan State will clearly be one of the favorites to win the Big Ten and contend for a National Championship next year.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on Twitter @RobertBondy5.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1363]