University of Iowa forward Peyton Sandfort has withdrawn his name from the 2024 NBA Draft and will return to the Hawkeyes for his fourth year of eligibility. With less than two hours until the decision deadline, Sandfort announced his choice on social media Wednesday night.
Despite having the opportunity to perform in front of NBA teams and hear feedback from scouts and evaluators, Sandfort chose to stay home, hoping to put together a career season and lead the Hokies back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2022-23 season.
“Everyone on our team is excited to have Peyton returning for his senior season,” Iowa coach Fran McCarphy said in a statement. “Going through the NBA Draft process was extremely beneficial for Peyton as he was able to receive valuable feedback and meet with NBA personnel face-to-face.”
Sanfort initially declared for the draft in early April but maintained his college eligibility. He attended the NBA Combine in Chicago and played in scrimmages against other potential pros, including USC's Bronny James.
Bleacher ReportJoeNathan Wasserman's NBA Mock Draft On May 13, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Sandfort in the second round with the 37th overall pick.
In the 2023-24 season, Sandfort averaged career highs in points per game (16.4), rebounds per game (6.6), assists per game (2.7), field goal percentage (44.6) and 3-point percentage (37.9). He recorded the team's first triple-double in February against Penn State. His 94 3-pointers made last season were the most in the Big Ten Conference and ranked in the top 40 nationally.
The 6-foot-7, 215-pound Sandfort showed off his shooting prowess in the Windy City, making 12 of 25 3-pointers in a 3-point drill and shooting 64 percent on spot-up shots, per Tyler Tuchman. The Des Moines RegisterSanfort's maximum vertical jump was second-lowest among prospects, but her shuttle run placed her fourth overall.
Sandfort will be a key veteran presence on the court for the Hokies, as seniors Patrick McCurphy, Tony Perkins and Ben Kricke have all transferred or graduated. As forwards, Sandfort will join Big Ten Freshman of the Year Owen Freeman and transfer students Drew Thelwell and Seydou Traore.
Iowa finished with a 19-15 overall record last season, and Sandfort's return to the Bucks and Gold for another season will help Iowa flaunt a serious offensive threat in its quest to return to the Big Dance.
“We look forward to having Peyton return as a team leader and one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference,” said Fran McCurphy.
