Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl returning for fifth year

Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl announced Tuesday he will be returning to the school for a fifth season.

Wahl has been a starter for the Badgers the past three seasons after being a key bench player as a freshman.

“The last four years at Wisconsin have been an incredible experience for both me and my family. I’m so proud of the championships we’ve won and so many memories our team has created. I’m grateful to be part of the Badger basketball family and for the brotherhood that’s been created within the best locker room l’ve ever been a part of,” Wahl’s statement read.

“I have always wanted to leave the Wisconsin jersey better than I found it and our team has accomplished a lot over the last few years…but we are not finished. I’m thrilled and thankful to be able to say I’m returning for my fifth year with the Badgers. I can’t wait to create new memories with this group of guys and this program.”

One last ride 🔴⚪️🦡 #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/jRZU8w8rmU

— Tyler Wahl (@tjwahl01) April 4, 2023

Tyler Wahl has been a four-year contributor for Wisconsin

His shooting efficiency was down this season for Wisconsin but the Minnesota native rounded out his game in other forms. Tyler Wahl finished the year averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game in 31.5 minutes of action.

Wahl was third on the team in minutes, fourth in points and second in rebounds.

The Badgers missed the NCAA Tournament this season but did make a run to the semifinals of the NIT, where they lost to eventual champion North Texas.

Wisconsin finished the year with a 20-15 record after going 9-11 in Big Ten conference play.

He will become the second multi-year Badgers starter to take advantage of the fifth year awarded to players due to the COVID pandemic. Guard Brad Davison played an extra year because of it, helping Wisconsin to a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and Big Ten regular season title in 2021.

More on the 2023 NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. Round 1 of the draft will be announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, while Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is expected to handle the second round of picks.

To be eligible for the NBA Draft, players must be at least 19 years in age during the calendar year that the draft is held and at least one NBA season from their high school graduation date, or the date that would have been if they are not graduated. It is not required that player spend that one year playing college basketball, though. Players can play in either college, abroad, or the G League Ignite if they choose so.

While this is a significant change from what the rules once were, players are eligible to enter their names into the NBA Draft pool and explore their options by hiring an agent to go through the process, while still keeping their college eligibility. The deadline to make that move is on April 23 beginning at 11:59 p.m. ET. Players have until June 12 at 5 p.m. ET to withdraw their name from the pool and return to college.

The NBA Draft Lottery will be held on May 16, which is also the start of the NBA Conference Finals