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Michigan’s Isaiah Livers to test NBA Draft potential

The 6’7 swingman with a nice shooting touch might still return to Michigan, but is putting his name in the mix.

By Collin Sherwin
Isaiah Livers of the Michigan Wolverines dunks the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 23, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Isaiah Livers was an impact player for the Michigan Wolverines this season, and the junior is going to at least test the NBA Draft waters as he’s declared his intentions today.

Both NBA and NCAA rules allow a player to declare to enter the draft and even hire an agent, but they can also remove their name and return to school one time. Since Livers is a junior, checking out what scouts think of his game and where he might end up is harmless. From his official statement put out by Michigan basketball:

“Following the cancellation of the season, my family and our coaching staff have had several discussions on my future as a basketball player,” Livers said. “After much reflection and prayer, I have decided to enter my name into the 2020 NBA Draft and start the full evaluation process. The University of Michigan has done so much for me and helped me get to a position where I might be able to reach my goal of playing professional basketball. While this is only the start of the evaluation, I have appreciated your encouragement and will continue to need it as this process moves on.”

Livers averaged 12.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 21 games last season, missing 10 due to injury. He’s a solid three-point shooter at 40.2% from downtown, but lacks some of the elite athleticism required at the next level despite some highlight reel dunks. Right now he’s projected most places as a second-round pick or to be an undrafted free agent.

“We know Isaiah has had the desire to reach the next level of playing professional basketball, and going through the NBA Draft process will give him the information he is looking for to make the proper decision,” said UM head coach Juwan Howard.

With the possibility of no private workouts or an NBA Combine, the ride to the league might be tougher for Livers without a place to showcase improvements in his game. It’s very possible he returns to Ann Arbor next season, but also armed with more info about what the NBA would like to see from his game.

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