Photo: University of Iowa Athletic Department
(Iowa City, IA) -- Kris Murray is declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft, while maintaining his eligibility.
The decision comes a few weeks after his twin, Keegan Murray, enters the draft. However, Kris is not hiring an agent, which leaves the door open for him to return to Iowa.
The following image is Kris Murray's announcement on Twitter:
If Kris Murray tests the NBA process, only to return to the Hawkeyes, it wouldn't be the first time an Iowa Basketball has returned after declaring for the NBA Draft.
After finishing second to Dayton's Obi Toppin in the 2020 Naismith Player of the Year Award, Luka Garza entered the NBA Draft process before deciding to return for his fourth season.
Similarly, Garza's teammate Joe Wieskamp tested the NBA waters after his freshman and sophomore seasons, before officially leaving for the NBA after his Junior year in 2021.
Kris Murray averaged 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game this past season, which marks a large jump from his freshman year, but perhaps not enough to start his professional career.
Iowa Head Coach Fran McCaffery says he supports the Cedar Rapids native.
"We fully support Kris using this opportunity to receive the feedback from NBA personnel through workouts and interviews," McCaffery says in a release. “Kris took great strides and really came into his own last season. He is going through this process with a professional approach, and we are excited to see his game grow to another level.”
In the same release, Kris Murray sounds like a player ready to hear encouragement and criticism from the NBA's experts, but also looking forward to return to the college game.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to play the game I love every day and to wear the Black and Gold,” says Murray. “My focus is being able to grow as a player in every way possible. The opportunity to get feedback and experience working out for NBA teams will help me become the best player I can possibly be and take my game to the next level. I have big plans for next year and this experience will help me do that. I appreciate everyone’s support.”
The Iowa faithful now wait for the withdrawal deadline, scheduled for 4 p.m. CT on June 13th.