Brandon Clarke declares for NBA Draft

Gonzaga junior Brandon Clarke announced his intention to enter the 2019 NBA Draft, he announced on Wednesday.

Under new NCAA rules, Clarke can sign with a NCAA-certified agent and still return to school if he chooses. However, it is probably fair we don’t get our hopes up to high. Virtually every single draft board out there has Clarke in the first round.

Clarke transferred to Gonzaga from San Jose State and electrified the fanbase with a consistent display of highlight reel dunks and blocks throughout the entire season. He was named West Coast Conference Defender and Newcomer of the Year, and set a school record for blocks in a single season with 117. In one year, his block total represents the sixth-highest career mark in school history.

“First, I would like to thank my family for their continued support of my basketball career,” Clarke said. “I would also like to thank Coach Few and the entire Gonzaga coaching staff for sharing their knowledge of the game. I transferred to GU to develop my game and learn as much as I could from the top coaching staff in the country. With their help, I am confident in the player I have become and I’m ready for the next step. My teammates, my brothers, I cannot thank them enough. These have been the best two years of my life. Lastly, I want to thank the best fans in the country, Zag Nation. I will always be proud to be a Zag!”

Clarke has not officially declared his final draft status, and will use the current system in place. He has until May 29 to withdraw from the draft and return for one more season at Gonzaga.

Most likely, that will not happen.

Congratulations to Brandon Clarke on his immense success this year. This past season was one of the most fun in recent memory, and your play on the court was a large reason for that.