Hawkeyes' Peter Jok latest to test NBA Draft waters

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New NBA rules have allowed a flood of players to test their chances in the draft without giving up eligibility, and many are taking advantage of them.

The latest is Iowa's Peter Jok, the school announcing Thursday that the junior will enter his name into the NBA Draft without hiring an agent, which leaves him the option of returning to the Hawkeyes next season.

“I would like to take advantage of the opportunity that is now presented to underclassmen in going through the process of obtaining input from NBA personnel so that I can make an informed decision about my future," Jok said in the announcement. "For me, this whole process is for experience to see how it all works and then return to work on my game.

“It’s comforting having the support of coach (Fran) McCaffery and staff. Coach will continue to be a valuable resource for me during this process. If it’s not the right time for me to make the move to the NBA, I’m excited about returning and leading our team next season.”

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As explained earlier this week, when Purdue freshman Caleb Swanigan announced the same decision, the new rules allow student-athletes who haven't exhausted their NCAA eligibility to enter their name into the NBA Draft, attend workouts with NBA teams and participate in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, should they be invited. And as long as they haven't hired an agent, they have until May 25, about a month before draft day, to make their final decision whether to embark on a pro career or return to college. The new rules make a lot of sense, as they allow players to receive as much information as possible about which would be the best course of action for their future.

Jok showed terrific ability as a scorer and a shooter this season, averaging 16.1 points per game and shooting 40.2 percent from 3-point range. He ranked eighth in the Big Ten in scoring and eighth with 80 made 3s.

Jok was the only non-senior in the starting lineup for the Hawkeyes this season, meaning if he does ultimately choose to head to the NBA, McCaffery will have to replace his entire starting five heading into next season.

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