IOWA CITY, Iowa — Payton Sandfort took his NBA decision down to the final hours, but the Iowa junior guard withdrew from the draft and will remain at Iowa for his senior year, he announced on social media Wednesday.
“This process has been an unbelievable experience and thanks to everyone for all the help along the way,” Sandfort said. “But my heart is still in Iowa City, unfinished business. Trust in God’s plan always.”
This process has been an unbelievable experience and thanks to everyone for all the help along the way. But my heart is still in Iowa City, unfinished business. Trust in Gods plan always ???????? see yall soon pic.twitter.com/7HN2lEvKkK
— Payton Sandfort (@payton_20_) May 30, 2024
Sandfort, who stands 6 foot 7 and weighs 215 pounds, was considered a borderline first-rounder had he remained in the NBA Draft. Sandfort had individual workouts with the Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks, he told reporters last week.
The Athletic’s NBA draft analyst Sam Vecenie mocked Sandfort at No. 36 to the Indiana Pacers.
Last year, Sandfort averaged 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists, shot 37.9 percent from 3-point range and 91.1 percent from the free-throw line. He ranked second in the Big Ten in free-throw percentage, third in 3-point percentage and eighth in scoring.
Sandfort’s 3-point proficiency was why he was a solid NBA prospect. He led the Big Ten with 94 3-pointers, sank two or more 3s in 27 games, three or more in 17 games and four or more 12 times. He also recorded the first triple-double in Iowa men’s basketball history.
“Everyone in our program is elated to have Payton return for his senior season,” Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said in a statement. “Going through the NBA Draft process has been very beneficial for Payton as he was able gain valuable feedback and meet directly with NBA personnel.
“We are looking forward to having Payton return as our team leader and as one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference.”
What this means for Iowa
Sandfort’s return dramatically changes Iowa’s outlook for the 2024-25 season. He led the Hawkeyes (19-15) in scoring and was second in minutes played.
Iowa now has 55 percent of its minutes and 53 percent of its scoring back from last season despite losing second-team All-Big Ten point guard Tony Perkins (Missouri) and part-time starter Patrick McCaffery (Butler) to the transfer portal.
Along with Sandfort, Iowa brings back starting two-guard Josh Dix and Big Ten Freshman of the Year center Owen Freeman, plus backup point guard Brock Harding.
In the transfer portal, Iowa signed point guard Drew Thelwell (11.1 points, 2.8 assists), who guided Morehead State to the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season title, and former Manhattan forward Seydou Traore (11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds).
In addition, sophomore guard Pryce Sandfort (Payton’s younger brother) and sophomore forward Laji Dembele return as rotational players while four-star forward Cooper Koch and three-star power forward Chris Tadjo should compete for minutes.
An NIT team last season after four straight NCAA appearances, Iowa should be considered an upper-third squad in the 18-team Big Ten. Without Sandfort, the Hawkeyes were a bottom-half squad at best.
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(Photo: Jeffrey Becker / USA Today)
