Michigan Basketball: 3 thoughts on Isaiah Livers declaring for NBA draft
This is far from over
Livers met with the local media shortly after his announcement and it was clear from that exchange that he is very much open to play for Michigan basketball again next season.
According to Zach Shaw of 247 sports, Livers was always going to test the waters and made the decision before the season, which makes sense. Livers also indicated that he was comfortable coming back and that it felt like his season go “cut off.”
Isaiah Livers just spoke with reporters for about 15 minutes over the phone. Key takes:
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) March 30, 2020
-Says he knew he was going to test waters before season began
-Comfortable coming back and getting his degree
-Lack of postseason does make returning more enticing "I feel like we got cut off"
Those are all positive things as a Michigan basketball fan. But a couple of things to keep in mind is that Livers has been part of a team that won the Big Ten tournament title and reached the Final Four. He actually was a starter on that team, which some people tend to forget.
This past season had to feel unfinished for him and every player and it certainly hurt his draft stock when he wasn’t able to showcase himself in the NCAA tournament. Livers also said he was going to take as long as possible to make a decision. That means June 15.
-Said he doesn't have a draft projection criteria (i.e. first round), and is keeping all options open
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) March 30, 2020
-Has discussed decision with several players who have done it before
-Is "open until the last day possible" in terms of decision timeline
That is the final day for players to pull their name out of the 2020 draft. And by then, Livers would have a better understanding of what recruits would be joining him, as well as a better idea of how NBA scouts view him. Livers could be leaning one way or another, but it seems very much up in the air.