MANSFIELD, Conn — UConn's James Bouknight is entering his name into the 2021 NBA Draft, according to a social media post on Wednesday.
The sophomore Huskies men's basketball star announced that he will forgo his final two years of eligibility to declare.
Bouknight thanked coaches Dan Hurley and Kimani Young for giving him the opportunity to play for UConn.
"It's been an honor to put on the UConn jersey every day," he said. "I've grown so much as a player here but more importantly as a person."
Led by the 6-foot-5 guard from Brooklyn, N.Y., the Huskies returned to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2016.
Bouknight averaged 18.7 points and 5.7 rebounds during the 2020-2021 season.
In his announcement, he also thanked the entire UConn Nation, his teammates, and his family for pushing and encouraging him.
"UConn has become my home away from home and I will always BLEED BLUE," Bouknight wrote.
UConn coach Dan Hurley praised Bouknight and his efforts in returning the program's brand to prominence.
"It was an honor to coach this great Husky!!" tweeted Hurley." He did so much these last two seasons to help restore the UConn Brand...Today is a great day for James and for our program."
It is expected for Bouknight to go in the first round of the NBA Draft which is scheduled to be held on July 29.
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
