University of Hawaii forward Stefan Jankovic will forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for early entry in the NBA draft. The Rainbow Warrior junior announced the move in a UH press release Wednesday afternoon.
“I would like to thank the state of Hawaii for all the great memories but I feel the time is right for me to declare for the draft and I’m in the process of hiring an agent,” Jankovic said. “After the great season I experienced with my coaches and teammates, I discussed this decision with my family and we felt it was best for me to begin my professional career. I will always call Hawaii home and this place gave me a second chance after I transferred from Missouri.
“I would like to thank my coaches for always pushing me, my teammates for the great season we had, and to all of the fans for their support during this truly amazing year. In my two years at Hawaii, I’ve had some of the best times of my life and Hawai‘i will always have a special place in my heart. Aloha and mahalo.”
Jankovic led the Rainbow Warriors in scoring (15.6) and rebounding (6.6) en route to Big West Conference Player of the Year honors as well as being named Associated Press honorable mention All-America and USBWA All-District IX teams. He finished his two-year career with 770 points (13.5 ppg), 335 rebounds (5.9 rpg), and 73 blocks (1.3 bpg). His 52.4 career field goal percentage ranks seventh all-time in program history.
Jankovic is among four juniors on the ‘Bows’ roster who are contemplating their future with an NCAA postseason ban in place for 2016-17.
“We thank Stefan for his contributions to not only our basketball program but to this university and the state of Hawaii,” UH head coach Eran Ganot said. “He is a fine young man who comes from a tremendous family, and he’s worked hard for this opportunity. More important than basketball, Janks is on pace to graduate, which we, along with his family are very proud of.
“In his short time here, Janks entrenched himself in the community and has said Hawaii will always be home. He has our complete and unconditional support. In just one year, Stefan went from a non-all-conference player to Big West Player of the Year on an NCAA Tournament team and that’s a testament to his hard-work, dedication and sacrifice to the game. His future is bright and I look forward to following his career.”
The Mississauga, Ontario native helped lead UH to its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2002 and its first win ever in the tournament, a 77-66 victory over California, in which Jankovic recorded 16 points and five rebounds. During the team’s Big West Tournament run, he averaged 15.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game and was selected to the all-tournament team.
The NBA draft is scheduled for June 23.
