PROVO, Utah – BYU forward Eric Mika announced today he will sign with an agent and remain in the 2017 NBA Draft.
“My wife and I are excited for the next step in this journey and we know it's just one among many,” Mika said. “I loved my time at BYU and it truly was a dream come true playing and studying here and I wouldn't trade the memories I made here for anything. I have tremendous love and respect for the coaches, staff and players and loved working with them all. I'm excited to see what happens in the next five weeks.”
Last week Mika participated in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. In the coming weeks, he will have the opportunity to participate in workouts with various teams throughout the league as he prepares for the draft.
“We’re very excited for Eric and support him in this decision,” BYU head coach Dave Rose said. “He has the potential to be a great pro because of his amazing work ethic and the great support system around him. It was a privilege to coach Eric and he will always be remembered as a great player at BYU.”
As a sophomore in 2016-17, Mika led the Cougars to a 22-12 record and an at-large bid to the National Invitational Tournament. The 6-foot-10 forward was a first-team All-West Coast Conference player and a second-team CoSIDA Academic All-American. Mika was also named the USBWA District VIII Player of the Year and earned a spot on the NABC All-District 9 Team.
Mika averaged 20.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, scored in double figures in all 34 games and recorded 17 double-doubles. His best game of the season came on the biggest stage when BYU played at No. 1 Gonzaga in the regular season finale. The Alpine, Utah, native led the Cougars to a 79-71 upset win over the Bulldogs while totaling 29 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.