UCLA’s Jules Bernard entering NBA draft while preserving option to return

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is coming again to UCLA and Peyton Watson and Jake Kyman are leaving.

Jules Bernard? It may go both means.

The senior guard introduced Tuesday on Instagram he’ll enter the NBA draft whereas retaining his capability to return to school in case he needs to make use of the additional season of eligibility granted within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bernard, who averaged 12.8 factors and 4.7 rebounds final season, isn’t listed on most mock draft boards however may enhance his standing if he secures an invite to the draft mix subsequent month in Chicago or exercises for particular person groups. He has till 8:59 p.m. PDT on June 1 to withdraw his title from draft consideration and protect his faculty eligibility.

“I’m tremendous excited to start out this course of,” Bernard wrote, “and I’m trying ahead to taking steps towards attaining my desires.”

Certainly one of UCLA’s most improved gamers since his arrival, the 6-foot-7 Bernard earned reward from coach Mick Cronin as one of many nation’s prime wing gamers whereas usually being neglected, even on his personal group. He’s elevated his scoring in every of his three seasons underneath Cronin and ranked third on the group final season, trailing solely Jaquez and Johnny Juzang.

“Jules and I are in fixed communication about his course of,” Cronin stated in an announcement. “We’re supporting Jules each means that we will, and we’re excited for him to undergo his analysis and exercise course of over the subsequent month. He has been a fantastic Bruin and has improved as a participant each season at UCLA. Ought to Jules resolve to play as a brilliant senior, we might be completely thrilled to have him again in Westwood.”

The Bruins nonetheless are ready to be taught whether or not guards Tyger Campbell and Juzang and put up gamers Myles Johnson and Cody Riley will return. School gamers have till Sunday evening to submit paperwork to make themselves eligible for the draft.