April 4, 2013
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After a standout junior campaign for the UCF men's basketball team, Isaiah Sykes has submitted the necessary paperwork to declare for the NBA Draft, but is following the guidelines to retain his NCAA eligibility.
Sykes led the nation with two triple-doubles in 2012-13 and averaged 16.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The Detroit native earned All-Conference USA First Team and C-USA All-Defensive Team honors and was selected to the NABC All-District 11 First Team. He led C-USA in steals per game at 2.3 and became the first player in league history to finish conference competition ranked in the top 10 in points, rebounds, assists and steals.
Sykes has requested feedback on his draft status from the NBA's undergraduate advisory committee and has until April 16 to take his name out of consideration for the draft according to NCAA guidelines.
"This is a great opportunity for Isaiah and we support his decision," UCF head coach Donnie Jones said. "He will be able to learn more about what NBA executives think about his game and we will be there to help him gather information throughout the process."
Sykes helped the Knights record their third-consecutive 20-win campaign this past season. He started all 31 contests and logged 1,079 minutes, the fifth-highest single-season total in UCF history, and scored in double figures 27 times with 12 20-point performances.
Sykes currently ranks 16th on UCF's career scoring list with 1,030 points, ninth with 547 rebounds and ninth with 132 steals.
"Playing in the NBA has always been a dream of mine and I am excited to be able to learn more about my draft stock. I am looking forward to going through the process and I appreciate Coach Jones and the entire staff helping me," Sykes said.
The 2013 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 27.