Louisville’s Jordan Nwora Will Enter NBA Draft, Maintain Collegiate Eligibility

Mark BlankenbakerMarch 28, 2019

University of Louisville forward Jordan Nwora will enter his name in the 2019 NBA Draft pool, but will take steps to maintain his collegiate eligibility to allow a return for his third season with the Cardinals.

“Because of the ability to test the waters without losing eligibility, it seems like the perfect opportunity for me to try out with NBA teams and get feedback from them directly regarding my strengths and weaknesses,” said Nwora. “If the feedback is positive, I would stay in the draft. If the feedback indicates I should return to school for continued development, then that’s what I will do. Either way, it is a positive experience that will allow me to find out what specifically NBA teams want me to improve to enhance my draft stock, whether it is for this year or next year.”

“The NBA and the NCAA continue to shape the undergraduate process of determining draft prospects in a more refined way,” said UofL Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Mack. “I fully support Jordan as he tests the draft waters on where he stands in his basketball future. When the time comes to make his decision it will be with feedback straight from the source, the NBA.”

New NCAA legislation in effect in 2019 allows college basketball players to be represented by an agent after the season if they request an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee. To maintain collegiate availability, the agreement with an agent must be in writing, disclosed, terminated when the student returns to college, as well as meeting other conditions. Players who request an evaluation, participate in the NBA combine and aren’t drafted can return to school as long as they notify the university by the Monday after the draft.

Honored as the 2019 ACC Most Improved Player, Nwora was the second-most improved scorer in the nation with his 17.0 scoring average (sixth in the ACC), up 11.3 points per game from his 5.7 average a year ago. The All-ACC third team selection is one of five players in the ACC who scored 20 or more points on at least 13 occasions this season. Nwora scored in double figures in 31 of 34 games and produced nine double-doubles this season.

A sophomore from Buffalo, N.Y., Nwora was UofL’s leader in scoring and rebounding (7.7 rpg, ninth in the ACC). He was also among the ACC leaders in field goal percentage (.446, 12th), three-point field goal percentage (.374, ninth), three-pointers made per game (2.3, 11th), defensive rebounds (6.44 per game, fourth) and minutes played (31.9 per game, 21st). He was named to the USBWA All-District IV team and NABC All-District 2 team.

An exercise science major who was named to the All-ACC Academic men’s basketball team, Nwora scored a career-high 32 points against Boston College in Louisville with 10 rebounds and four assists. Honored on the 2018 NIT Season Tip-Off All-Tournament team in November, he made at least three three-pointers on 16 occasions this season.

Nwora helped Louisville achieve a 20-14 record against the nation’s third-toughest schedule and participate in its 39^th NCAA Tournament. Picked in the preseason to finish 11^th in the ACC, UofL attained a 10-8 conference record and earned a tie for sixth in the final regular season standings.