Isaiah Wong reveals what played into decision to declare for NBA Draft
Isaiah Wong is on his way to the NBA Draft, but that doesn’t mean he won’t forever hold the Miami Hurricanes in his heart.
Speaking with the media after revealing he was moving on from the college game, Wong explained what played into his decision to go to the NBA.
“I feel like it was a very difficult decision, for me and I feel like for the Miami fans,” stated Wong. “It was a tough decision of coming back or going to the NBA, but I feel like for me, I’ve got to follow my dreams and go to the NBA, and just like, at the end of the day, the NBA is the main dream.
“I mean, I’m historic in Miami history, and I feel like I’m good where I’m at with Miami fans and all that, so I feel like I’ve just got to chase more.”
Of course, Wong led the Hurricanes to the Final Four during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, and while it was hard for him to decide to give up a chance at a national title, making a name for himself at the next level was too much to pass up.
“Like I said, it was a hard decision coming to making that decision to either come back or go to the NBA, but I feel like I talked to my family, I talked to the people around me and they thought the best decision for me was to go to the NBA and chase my dreams and all that,” explained Wong. “I feel like I just made history at Miami, I felt like I did a lot for the program and just coming into next year, I just wanted to restart, and try to make another name for myself in the NBA.”
Nevertheless, the question of whether NIL could’ve kept him at Miami for another season will be asked, but Wong put those rumors to rest, revealing that the decision was more personal than anything.
“No it didn’t, I feel like for me I was just going into, just trying to chase my dream,” Wong said, asked if NIL played a role in his decision. “At the end of the day, NIL is a great thing in the college basketball world today, but for me, I feel like the NBA is the main dream.
“I really want to focus on that part of the game, because like I said, it’s my dream at the end of the day. I just want to be the best player I can be and face some new competition, and go to like, new places. Just a new start, it’ll be for me.”
One of the most exciting players in college basketball is moving on and Miami is going to miss him, but one lucky NBA franchise will be elated to have Isaiah Wong in the 2023 NBA Draft.