Sam Dekker made a massive statement during the 2015 NCAA Tournament, and many mock drafts had him a sure-fire lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. On Friday morning Dekker made his choice, declaring himself eligible for the NBA Draft.
“These past three years have been the best, most memorable years of my life,” Dekker said. “Growing up in the state and being able to wear Wisconsin across my chest has been a dream come true.
“After lots of thoughts and prayers, I’ve decided that it is in my best interest to enter the NBA Draft at this time. It is difficult to leave Madison and the only state I’ve called home, but I’m excited for the next chapter of my life.”
A native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Dekker appeared in 113 games with 81 starts in his career at UW, finishing 15th in school history with 1,363 points. Combined with his 569 career rebounds, Dekker became just the eighth Badger to tally 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in his first three seasons.
This past season was the culmination for him personally and for the team. Dekker averaged 13.9 points per game for a team that set a school record for wins with 36. He finished the season as a second-team All-Big Ten selection and a finalist for the Julius Erving award, given to the best small forward in the country.
He only elevated his play in the NCAA tournament, as Dekker tallied 19.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting a team-high 57.1 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from 3-point range during the NCAA tournament.
With Dekker leaving early it leaves Wisconsin down to just two starters back from a team that was national runner up this season.
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