UA men’s basketball player Nic Wise has decided to make himself eligible for the 2009 NBA Draft, Arizona Athletics has announced. Wise is leaving open the possibility of returning to the Wildcats for his senior season in 2009-10, as he has not hired an agent.

“”It’s always been my dream to play in the NBA,”” Wise said in a statement, “”and I feel like I need to take the next step and get some feedback on my game. This will only help me become a better basketball player.””

Wise will complete his academic work through the spring semester, the university has stated. He has until June 15 to withdraw his name from the draft eligible list and, by not signing with an agent and maintaining his coursework, he could return to college without losing eligibility.

Fellow juniors Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill have also declared for the NBA Draft, but do not plan on returning.

Wise is not listed on any mock drafts for June’s draft.

Read more about Wise’s decision to test the NBA Draft waters in Friday’s edition of the Arizona Daily Wildcat.

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