Michigan State’s Jaden Akins Declares for NBA Draft

Michigan State wing Jaden Akins has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, he announced via social media Friday afternoon.

He won't hire an agent, which makes it possible for him to return to the college ranks if he so chooses.

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Here's the full text of Akins' statement on Instagram from Friday:

Dear Spartan Nation,

Over my two years at Michigan State it has been an incredible journey. I’ve grown both on and off the court. I’ve developed my skills, while also learning how to overcome adversity. Wearing the Green and White has been a dream come true. There is still so much more I would love to accomplish. Next season could be special for Spartan Basketball and that motivates me to get better each and every day.

First and foremost I would like to thank God for keeping me level headed throughout this journey, without him none of this would be possible. I would also like to thank my family, friends, teammates and coaches.

My goals also extend beyond Michigan State. It has always been a dream of mine to compete at the highest level. With that being said, after discussion with my family I have decided to declare for the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility.

Akins averaged 9.8 points and 4 rebounds per game on 42 percent shooting from the field, including 42.2 percent from beyond the arc, this past season. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Akins, who was a four-star prospect and Top 100 player nationally in the 2021 recruiting class, would be a junior in the 2023-2024 college basketball season.

Michigan State will have a logjam at guard/wing next season, which is probably factoring into Akins' choice to test the NBA waters. Two weeks ago, Tyson Walker announced his plans to return to East Lansing next year as a fifth-year senior. That, in conjunction with point guard AJ Hoggard, sophomore point guard Tre Holloman, and incoming five-star point guard recruit Jeremy Fears Jr., meant that Akins would be among five guys competing for minutes in that group.

Akins has until May 31 to withdraw from draft consideration. If he does, he can return to Michigan State and college basketball next season.