Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Michigan basketball: D.J. Wilson staying in 2017 NBA Draft, per report

By Zac Snyder

Mar 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) celebrates in the closing seconds of the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Conference Tournament championship game at Verizon Center. The Wolverines won 71-56. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) celebrates in the closing seconds of the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Conference Tournament championship game at Verizon Center. The Wolverines won 71-56. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

On deadline day to withdraw from the 2017 NBA Draft, reports say D.J. Wilson will stay in draft and not return to the Michigan basketball program.

Michigan basketball fans got good news earlier today with the announcement that Mortiz Wagner has decided against staying in the 2017 NBA Draft and will remain a Wolverine for at least one more season.

Wagner and teammate D.J. Wilson had initially declared for the draft, announcing their decisions with nearly simultaneous tweets. However, news of Wagner’s return broke this morning on the Michigan athletic department website without mention of Wilson’s plans.

That could be seen as an ominous sign given the way the two entered the process. It appears that feeling would be correct. Per Draft Express, Wilson will be staying in the draft.

The news has yet to be confirmed by an announcement by Wilson or Michigan. [UPDATE: Michigan has confirmed the news via MGoBlue.com]

Pistons beat writer Rod Beard tweeted that he has heard Wilson has a first round guarantee from the Utah Jazz, who hold two late first round picks.

Being a first round pick means getting guaranteed money – something that doesn’t come with being a second round pick.

Next: Wagner withdraws from the 2017 NBA Draft

Losing Wilson will be a blow to the team’s chances next season but it’s not as bad as it could have been if Wagner had also opted to leave school. Wilson’s defensive presence in particular will be missed, but it is probably his abilities on defense that made him a safer bet to stay in this draft than would have been the case for Wagner.

Home/Michigan Wolverines