Tyrese Hunter could make NBA Draft decision 'in the next few days,' Rodney Terry says

A decision from Tyrese Hunter on his future could be coming soon, Texas head coach Rodney Terry said Wednesday. Hunter declared for the 2023 NBA Draft in March, but maintained his college eligibility.

Terry spoke at a Texas Exes event Wednesday night and said Hunter’s decision could come “in the next few days,” according to On3 and Inside Texas’ Joe Cook. He was a key piece for the Longhorns last season en route to the Elite Eight, averaging 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game after transferring from Iowa State.

Hunter announced his decision to declare for the draft March 31, confirming he was leaving the door open to return to Texas and use his final year of eligibility.

“Longhorn Nation, thank you!” Hunter wrote in his Instagram post. “Since day one, you have shown me a tremendous amount of love and support. With that being said, I will be entering my name in the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility. Thank you again for all the love and support on this journey!”

Should Hunter opt to return to Texas, he’d see some new faces on the roster. Terry and the Longhorns dove into the transfer portal this offseason and made some big splashes. The biggest was Max Abmas, the high-scoring former Oral Roberts guard who came in at No. 2 in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings this cycle.

Abmas put up monster numbers at ORU, averaging 21.9 points per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 37.3% from three-point distance. As he announced his commitment on The Field of 68, he spoke about what his fit would be alongside Hunter, and he said his skillset should fit in well if Hunter decides to run it back.

“I think we’ll both be able to play on the ball and off the ball,” Abmas said. “Playing at the next level, you’re going to be playing with other good guards too. I’ve been in offenses where I’ve played both on and off the ball.

“The last few years I’ve been really ball-dominant, always having the ball in my hand,” Abmas said. “But to be able to switch it up and play on and off the ball? (It) would be definitely big for my game.”

Hunter has until June 12 at 5 p.m. ET to make his decision. The 2023 NBA Draft is set for June 22 from the Barclays Center.