Update, 12:53 p.m.: An earlier version of this article noted that Livers intended to hire an agent, as that is what Michigan’s press release stated. However, a program spokesperson has since said that was inaccurate and that Livers will not hire an agent.
Isaiah Livers is dipping his toes into the NBA draft waters.
The Michigan forward who has one year of eligibility remaining announced on Monday his decision to declare for the draft and evaluate his options.
Underclassmen have until June 3 to withdraw and still return to school, though many believe that date could be in flux given the suspension of the NBA season due to the coronavirus pandemic. The draft itself is scheduled for June 25.
“Following the cancellation of the season, my family and our coaching staff have had several discussions on my future as a basketball player,” Livers said in a statement released by Michigan. “After much reflection and prayer, I have decided to enter my name into the 2020 NBA Draft and start the full evaluation process.
"The University of Michigan has done so much for me and helped me get to a position where I might be able to reach my goal of playing professional basketball. While this is only the start of the evaluation, I have appreciated your encouragement and will continue to need it as this process moves on.”
If Livers signs with an agent, it would not prevent him from returning to Michigan. Either way, he could choose to attend the NBA draft combine, if he’s invited, which is scheduled for May 19 to 24, though that too is potentially in jeopardy.
As a junior this past season, Livers started all 21 games for which he was healthy, averaging a team-high 12.9 points per game while shooting 40 percent from 3. The 6-foot-7 Kalamazoo native does not presently appear on most NBA mock drafts.
"We know Isaiah has had the desire to reach the next level of playing professional basketball, and going through the NBA Draft process will give him the information he is looking for to make the proper decision," Michigan head coach Juwan Howard said in a statement.
"Even with everything going on with COVID-19, myself, and our staff, will continue to work closely with Isaiah and his family to gain as much information as possible in the weeks ahead before he reaches his final decision."
Livers missed 10 games last season with various injuries to his groin, hip, and ankle.
Speaking with reporters last week, Howard said Livers was “evaluating his future” but had not yet made a decision about whether to enter the draft. Howard had similar remarks about Franz Wagner, who just completed an impressive freshman season and could consider following Livers into the NBA draft waters.
Livers also delivered a letter thanking God, Michigan’s coaches and other staff, his teammates, and Michigan fans for their support during his college career.
“With that being said,” he concluded, “my family and I have decided that I will pursue my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA and will enter my name in the 2020 NBA draft to start the process and evaluation.”
Michigan will lose senior starters Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske to graduation.
Stay tuned to mlive.com/wolverines for more coverage of Livers’ decision, as the junior will speak with media Monday afternoon.
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