Nic Wise may have made the wisest decision of his yet-to-be started professional basketball career, informing Arizona coach Sean Miller that he plans to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and return to Tuscon for his senior season. Wise was projected as a late second-round pick or perhaps even undrafted. His return gives Miller a veteran, tested player who can help the Wildcats' resurgence."We are all very excited with Nic's return," Miller said on the school's Web site. "His talent, leadership and ability will make him one of the premier players in the Pac-10 this coming season. As important, this puts him in position to leave the University of Arizona with his degree. We are looking forward to a great senior year for Nic."
Wise, listed at 5-foot-10, 177 pounds, averaged 15.7 points and 4.6 assists while leading UA to the Sweet 16. He declared for the draft in April but did not hire an agent, retaining his college eligibility.
Miller needs bodies as Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger declared for the draft and hired agents shortly after the Wildcats were eliminated from the NCAA tournament by Louisville. Wise will be joined by returnees Kyle Fogg and Jamelle Horne for a solid core. Miller also brought in three highly touted recruits, including 6-foot-6 small forward Solomon Hill from Los Angeles.
