Wayne Selden heads for NBA Draft, won’t return to KU

Kansas coach Bill Self said Saturday he expected some underclassmen to leave his program, and the first domino in that regard fell Tuesday afternoon.

Junior guard Wayne Selden announced his plans to enter the NBA Draft and hire an agent, meaning he will not be returning to KU for a senior season.

“The last three years have been a true blessing to experience as a Jayhawk, an opportunity I am so thankful for,” said Selden, who also mentioned it was his plan to stay in college for three seasons before declaring.

Selden, who was a three-year starter, averaged 13.8 points and led KU with 74 three-pointers.

“We are all so happy and proud of Wayne for not only how he’s played but for how he’s represented our school over the last three years,” Self said. “After his freshman year and seeing Andrew (Wiggins) and Joel (Embiid) declare after one year, Wayne, his family and our staff spoke that it would probably be after his junior year that the time would be right for him to declare, and it has played out to be that way.”

The move was expected. Selden had seen his draft stock shoot up this season after moving to his more natural position on the wing. DraftExpress.com projects Selden as the 41st pick in this year’s draft.

“I want to thank the Kansas fans for their support as a Jayhawk over the years,” Selden said. “The support is unmatched and has been the driving forcein games.”

Selden’s departure officially opens up a potential spot for Josh Jackson, who is the No. 1 player in Rivals.com’s class of 2016. Jackson, who also is considering finalists Michigan State and Arizona, could make his decision as soon as this week.

KU potentially could have more departures on the wing, as both Svi Mykhailiuk and Brannen Greene are likely to declare for the draft without hiring an agent to gauge NBA teams’ interest. Players who do that have until May 25 to make a final decision on whether they will turn pro or come back to school.

This story was originally published March 29, 2016 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Wayne Selden heads for NBA Draft, won’t return to KU."