Iowa star Payton Sandfort withdraws from NBA Draft, returns to school

Iowa star Payton Sandfort has elected to withdraw from the 2024 NBA Draft and return to school for another year, he announced on his Twitter account on Wednesday evening as the deadline loomed.

His return will give the Hawkeyes one of their best weapons back.

“This process has been an unbelievable experience and thanks to everyone for all the help along the way,” Sandfort said in a press release. “But my heart is still in Iowa City, unfinished business. Trust in God’s plan always.”

Payton Sandfort emerged as a starter for Iowa during the 2023-24 season and made that decision pay handsome dividends for coach Fran McCaffery. Sandfort averaged 16.4 points and 6.6 rebounds, while also chipping in 2.7 assists per contest.

He played in 34 games for the team, something he has done consistently at Iowa after playing in 33 in 2022-23 and 34 in 2021-22.

Sandfort saw a huge increase in production as a junior this season, leading Iowa in scoring on the year.

At 6 foot 7, 215 pounds, he has ideal size to stretch the floor with his shooting stroke. The junior shot 44.6% from the field and 37.9% from 3-point range during his breakout campaign.

Following the season he opted to test the NBA Draft waters.

“It has been a dream come true to represent this program and my state the past three seasons as a Hawkeye,” Payton Sandfort said. “Every day I pushed myself to make our team as successful as possible. I have loved every second of being a Hawkeye. It has been my lifelong dream to get the opportunity to play in the NBA. I plan to enter my name into the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining my eligibility. I will continue to push myself every day to make this dream a reality. I appreciate the support from Hawkeye Nation as I go through this process.”

NBA opportunities will await Payton Sandfort following his senior year in 2024-25. For the part of his coach, McCaffery, the support has always been there no matter what Sandfort had decided.

McCaffery had previously vocalized that support and did so again, now that Sandfort’s decision to return has been made.

“Everyone in our program is elated to have Payton return for his senior season,” McCaffery said. “Going through the NBA Draft process has been very beneficial for Payton as he was able gain valuable feedback and meet directly with NBA personnel.

“We are looking forward to having Payton return as our team leader and as one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference.”