Charles Matthews, Jordan Poole declare for the NBA Draft

Michigan announced that Charles Matthews and Jordan Poole will join Ignas Brazdeikis in declaring for the 2019 NBA Draft.

All three have hired an agent. A new rule states you can hire an agent during the process and still obtain eligibility to return to school.

However, Matthews went through Senior Day celebrations in the Wolverines final home game and Brazdeikis made his comments clear to ESPN.

“As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an NBA player -- not just an NBA player, but an NBA All-Star,” Brazdeikis said to ESPN. “My intent is to be drafted this year as high as I can be and start my journey.”

Here is the statement Michigan released on all three players:

“Charles, Jordan and Iggy have all decided to take the next steps in pursuing their dreams of playing in the NBA,” said Beilein. “The new process is a unique experience and one that my staff and I will assist in every way we can. We want each of them to utilize this opportunity to get more feedback so they can make the best decision possible for themselves and their families. All three are remarkable young men with amazing futures in front on them.”

Under newly adopted NCAA rules, college players are allowed to retain the services of an agent during the evaluation process. If they choose to return to school, they must end the relationship with the agent and they will not lose any eligibility. Additionally, players can also now return to school after going undrafted without losing eligibility, but only if they have participated in the NBA combine.

“Many people have known about my desire to play professionally, and my family and I are blessed to begin that process again,” said Matthews. “After gaining so much valuable information last year, I am looking forward to taking that next step. Everyone at Michigan holds a special place in my heart, especially Coach Beilein and the staff. They have helped make this opportunity for me and my family, and I will always be thankful. The journey has only just begun.”

“The last two years here at Michigan have been amazing and filled with so many memories,” said Poole. “I’ve not only become a better player but a better individual. Being able to play in the NBA has always been my dream since I was young. I am confident that with my faith in God and hard work that I, and my family, are prepared to look at all options and make the right decision for the next step of my playing career.”

“It was an amazing year for me in Ann Arbor,” said Brazdeikis. “There are many things I still want to accomplish, and pursuing a professional career is just one of them. My family and I want to take full advantage of the opportunities to see where I fit in the NBA Draft. It’s an exciting time, and I just cannot wait to get started.”

In what could possibly be John Beilein’s first-ever one-and-done player, Brazdeikis put together a 2018 campaign that earned him the Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor. He averaged 14.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 37 contests.

Matthews, tested NBA draft waters in 2018, averaged 12.2 points, 5.4 boards and 1.4 assists per game in 34 contests. For his Michigan career, Matthews shot 46.4 percent from the field. Matthews also added 1.1 steals per outing.

As for Poole, who will clearly have the most interesting decision to return to Ann Arbor or stick with the NBA, it was a productive sophomore season. He averaged 12.8 points per game, 6.7 more than his freshman campaign. In addition, he averaged three boards, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 37 starts.