WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kyle Anderson Jr. “does not have plans” to enter the NBA Draft and will return to UCLA for his sophomore season, his father said Friday.
“Kyle does not have plans to declare on April 10 as an underclassmen and at this time is returning to UCLA,” Kyle Anderson Sr. told SNY.tv in a text message sent to several outlets.
The former St. Anthony star is not on any NBA Draft boards, and at least one veteran NBA scout believes he is making the right move.
“He did the right thing 100 percent,” the scout told SNY.tv.
Asked how good Anderson Jr. could be a year from now, the scout said, “Very good if he works hard.”
Playing a mix of point guard, wing and power forward, Anderson Jr. averaged 9.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists and was named second-team All-Pac 12 under former coach Ben Howland.
His teammate and friend, UCLA wing Shabazz Muhammad, is expected to be one of the top few picks in the upcoming NBA Draft.
If Anderson Jr., Tony Parker and Jordan Adams all return to campus with David and Travis Wear and Norman Powell and the incoming recruits, UCLA should have a solid nucleus under the new coach.
Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens are now off the board as candidates at UCLA.
