Stanford’s Okpala to leave for NBA draft
Stanford sophomore KZ Okpala will remain in the NBA draft, he announced Wednesday, marking the second year in a row that the team’s best player left with eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-9 forward had submitted his name to the league’s undergraduate advisory committee for evaluation in April. He had until Wednesday to decide whether to remain eligible for the draft or withdraw and retain his NCAA eligibility.
His decision to “pursue my dream of playing in the NBA” wasn’t unexpected. Pro scouts love his athleticism, his ability to drive to the hoop and his defensive skills, although he could have used another year in college to polish his outside shooting.
Last year, forward Reid Travis left Stanford to join Kentucky as a graduate transfer. He helped the Wildcats reach the Elite Eight before they lost to Auburn.
“Stanford was my dream school,” Okpala said in a statement released by the university. “I am honored to represent this institution and owe a great deal of gratitude to Coach ( Jerod) Haase and the staff. I was the first recruit in a new era of Stanford basketball and have been blessed with an enriching experience here. I leave a better player and person.”
Okpala averaged 16.8 points and 5.7 rebounds this season and made the All-Pac-12 first team. He was fifth in the conference in scoring and 16th in rebounding. He averaged 13.8 points over his first two seasons with the Cardinal.
“KZ is an exceptional person with tremendous potential and a skill set that fits well in the NBA,” Haase said. “... I am proud of all that he has accomplished athletically and academically already here at Stanford. As a program, we wish him all the best and look forward to watching him represent Stanford on basketball’s grandest stage.”