Bearcats star forward Landers Nolley II declared for the 2023 NBA Draft earlier this week but could return to school next year after deciding to maintain his remaining college eligibility.
During his lone season at Cincinnati, Nolley scored a team-best 16.8 points per game on 41.7 percent shooting from 3-point range en route to receiving All-AAC First Team honors.
Nolley will compete against fellow prospects in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament next month and the NBA Draft Combine in May before making a final decision on his future plans.
Wes Miller’s team is set to bring back several key players including frontcourt Viktor Lakhin and Ody Oguama but Nolley returning would be a monumental boost for the Bearcats next season.
Cincinnati wing Landers Nolley will declare for the 2023 NBA Draft, he told ESPN. Nolley was named first-team All-AAC after leading the Bearcats in scoring at 16.7 points per game, shooting 42% for 3. He accepted an invite to attend the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in April pic.twitter.com/HIjjJkyi4z
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 27, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats star forward Landers Nolley II declares for 2023 NBA Draft
After beginning his career at Virginia Tech, the Georgia native spent two years at Memphis before eventually ending up with the Bearcats and developing into a legitimate NBA prospect.
Even though it’s difficult to predict where he will land in the draft, Nolley should have a chance to get selected in the second round. The draft is scheduled for June 22 at the Barclays Center.
Nolley broke down his decision to declare for the upcoming draft in a recent social media post.
"“These past 10 months have been nothing short of amazing. We’ve made so many memories and I enjoyed every moment. In life you have to make some tough decisions and this is definitely one of those times in my life. After much consideration with my family and coaches, I have to decided to enter the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility and the chance to return to University of Cincinnati. I am thankful for God putting me in this situation and blessing me with this opportunity.”"