Payton Sandfort will return to Iowa for senior season
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Payton Sandfort waited almost until the deadline before announcing that he will return to Iowa for his senior season.
The 6-foot-7 Waukee native had until 11:59 p.m. EST Wednesday to make a decision on whether to stay in the 2024 NBA draft or return to Iowa for one more season.
He announced his decision to stay in the draft 90 minutes before the deadline.
“This process has been an unbelievable experience and thanks to everyone for all the help along the way,” Sandfort said in a release. “But my heart is still in Iowa City, unfinished business. Trust in God’s plan always.”
Payton Sandfort’s decision to return for his senior season is significant for Iowa.
He led Iowa in scoring this past season with a 16.4 per-game average. He also led the team with 94 3-point baskets and finished tied for the lead in rebounding with a 6.6 per-game average.
He ranked second in the Big Ten in free throw percentage, third in 3-point percentage, eighth in scoring, 12th in field goal percentage and 13th in rebounding en route to third-team All-Big Ten honors.
Payton Sandfort also became the first Iowa men’s basketball player to record a triple double as he finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Penn State this pat season.
“Everyone in our program is elated to have Payton return for his senior season,” Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery said in a release. “Going through the NBA Draft process has been very beneficial for Payton as he was able gain valuable feedback and meet directly with NBA personnel.
“We are looking forward to having Payton return as our team leader and as one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference.”
Hawkeyesports.com contributed to this report
This process has been an unbelievable experience and thanks to everyone for all the help along the way. But my heart is still in Iowa City, unfinished business. Trust in Gods plan always see yall soon pic.twitter.com/7HN2lEvKkK
— Payton Sandfort (@payton_20_) May 30, 2024