By Pat Harty

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The news that Joe Wieskamp plans to stay in the 2021 NBA draft hardly comes as a surprise, but now at least it’s official.

Wieskamp announced Friday afternoon on Twitter that he will keep his name in the two-round draft instead of returning for his senior season at Iowa where he was a three-starter and an All-Big Ten selection.

Hawkeye Nation.. it’s been an incredible 3 years. I can’t thank you all enough for your support throughout my career…

At this time, I’d like to officially announce that I will be keeping my name in the 2021 NBA Draft. I’ll be a Hawkeye for life! #WiesyOuttaHere ✌🏻💛 pic.twitter.com/UKWPXCf4vr

— Joe Wieskamp (@JWieskamp21) July 2, 2021

Rumors and speculation had the 6-foot-6 Wieskamp leaning heavily towards staying in the draft, and then he helped his cause by performing well at the NBA Combine last week in Chicago.

The Muscatine native was thought to be a late second-round pick at best before the combine, but now there is speculation Wieskamp could be taken late in the first round, or for sure in the second round.

His loss means Iowa will be without three starters from last season, the others being 2021 National Player of the Year Luka Garza, who also is preparing for the draft, and 6-3 guard C.J. Fredrick, who transferred to Kentucky after the season.

Jack Nunge, a 6-11 forward, also transferred to from Iowa to Xavier shortly after the season ended.

Wieskamp tested the NBA draft process after his freshman season, but ultimately decided to return to Iowa.  He helped Iowa win 14 conference games this past season while earning second-team All-Big Ten.

The fact Wieskamp already has graduated, and that he is engaged to be married, also fueled rumors that he would skip his senior season.

Wieskamp had to make a decision about staying in the draft by July 7 in order to maintain his college eligibility.

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