Madison, WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Wisconsin forward Sam Dekker has decided to skip his senior season to enter the NBA Draft.
Dekker started 81 of the 113 games he played at Wisconsin and finished 15th in school history with 1,363 points. He helped the Badgers to a historic 2014-15 season that included a school-record 36 wins and a Big Ten championship. The campaign ended with a loss to Duke in the national championship game.
"These past three years have been the best, most memorable years of my life," said Dekker, a native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. "Growing up in the state and being able to wear Wisconsin across my chest has been a dream come true.
"After lots of thoughts and prayers, I've decided that it is in my best interest to enter the NBA Draft at this time. It is difficult to leave Madison and the only state I've called home, but I'm excited for the next chapter of my life."
Dekker averaged 13.9 points and 5.5 rebounds this past season. He was the West Region Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 23 points in a Sweet 16 win over North Carolina before pouring in 27 to help the Badgers beat Arizona in the regional final.
After scoring 16 in Wisconsin's stirring victory over previously unbeaten Kentucky in the national semifinals, Dekker struggled in the championship game against Duke. He made just 6-of-15 shots, missing each of his six attempts from 3-point range, and scored 12 points in the 68-63 loss on Monday night.
The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25 in Brooklyn.
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