UW's Ethan Happ, as expected, declares for the NBA draft but will not hire an agent

MADISON – Minutes after Wisconsin’s season ended with a 63-60 loss to Michigan State in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament, Ethan Happ shared his short-range plans:

Happ planned to enter the 2018 NBA draft without hiring an agent so he could obtain a clear picture of his stock while retaining the option of returning to UW for his final season.

If he wasn’t projected to be taken in the first round, Happ would return to UW.

Happ followed through with that plan by announcing Tuesday he will enter the draft without hiring an agent.

Happ, who averaged 17.9 points and 8.0 rebounds last season, is not listed in mock drafts compiled by nbadraft.net and si.com.

“There is so much more development you can do in college as opposed to sitting on the bench in the NBA or even (playing) in the G League,” Happ said after the loss to Michigan State when asked why he would return to UW if not projected to be selected in the first round. “I think there is a lot of development that can happen in college basketball.”

The NBA draft combine is set to be held May 16-20 in Chicago, although it isn’t a given that Happ will be invited.

Underclassmen who declare for the draft without hiring an agent have until June 11 (4 p.m. Central) to withdraw their name and retain their eligibility. The draft is set for June 21.

UW coach Greg Gard released a statement Tuesday supporting Happ’s decision.

“Ethan and I have talked multiple times about his future and our coaching staff fully supports his decision to explore the NBA draft,” Gard wrote. “This is a great opportunity for him to gather information directly from the source NBA personnel.

“The underclassmen rule allows Ethan and others to participate in workouts with teams and potentially the NBA combine.

“This experience will be invaluable for him and will ultimately make him a better player.”