Hunter Dickinson declares for 2021 NBA Draft, but will retain eligibility

Hunter Dickinson announced Wednesday that he has declared for the 2021 NBA Draft and thrown his name into the evaluation process. The Michigan Wolverines center says that he will hire an NCAA-certified agent in order to retain his eligibility in the scenario he decides to return to school.

Dickinson was an All-American as a freshman at Michigan, though his name has only been mentioned as a fringe prospect for the upcoming cycle. By electing to declare and enter the process, it allows him to gather feedback from NBA teams on where he stands in their eyes as a professional prospect.

This is not an uncommon practice, as both Isaiah Livers and Franz Wagner did this following the abrupt end of last season. Both players would return and join Dickinson as a trio that helped Michigan win a Big Ten regular season title and make an appearance in the Elite Eight.

News on the Dickinson front had been quiet since the end of last season, but given his breakout as a freshman, it is hardly surprising he is at least dipping his toes in the water. Many do believe he will ultimately return this upcoming season.