Peter Jok to test the NBA draft process
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Peter Jok was arguably the most improved player on the Iowa basketball team this season, and one of the most improved players in the Big Ten Conference.
The 6-foot-6 West Des Moines native now apparently hopes to cash in on his success in the NBA.
Matt Weitzel from the Iowa Sports Information Department confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Jok will go through the NBA draft process to see where he stands, but without hiring an agent.
Jok would immediately became ineligible if he hired an agent.
Jok is taking advantage of a new rule recently implemented by the NBA in which prospects will now have until 10 days after the NBA Draft combine to remove their name from draft consideration and maintain their eligibility.
The 2016 NBA Draft combine runs from May 11-15 in Chicago, meaning the early-entry date will be May 25. Prospects will be allowed to attend the combine and go through one team workout before making their decision.
The proposal also would allow underclassmen to declare multiple times for the draft during their career. They could also go for one NBA team workout in addition to the NBA-sponsored combine in a given year.
"According to (Iowa coach) Fran McCaffery, Peter would like to go through the process of obtaining input from NBA personnel," Weitzel wrote in an e-mail. "This is something that is now available to underclassmen.
"He will be able to return for his senior season after going through this process."
McCaffery said Jok has his full support and should take advantage of the new rule.
"The rules regarding exploring NBA opportunities are different than they have ever been," McCaffery said. "Peter wants to take advantage of those opportunities and we fully support him."
Jok was Iowa’s second leading scorer as a junior this past season with a 16.0 per-game average. He more than doubled his 7.0 scoring average from his sophomore season and made second-team all-Big Ten.
Purdue freshman forward Caleb Swanigan is also taking advantage of the new rule and will enter the NBA draft process without hiring an agent.