COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Two members of the University of Maryland Men’s Basketball team are exploring their prospects in the NBA Draft, but their decisions do not necessarily render them ineligible for future collegiate competition.
Bruno Fernando and Anthony Cowan Jr. intend to sign agents and declare for the 2019 professional draft, according to a press release circulated by the University of Maryland, College Park’s Department of Athletics. The agents will work with Maryland coaches during the process.
Newly adopted rules from the NCAA allow college players to retain agents during an evaluation process for potential professional draft consideration. The players can return to school and rejoin their teams, maintaining amateur status as long as they end the relationship with the agent.
Fernando, a native of Luanda, Angola, accrued 22 double-doubles during the 2018-2019 season, snagging 362 rebounds and shooting .607 from the field. He earned First-Team All-Big Ten and All-Defense Team honors for his efforts.
“It has long been my dream to play basketball at its highest level in the NBA,” Fernando said. “With that being said, I am taking the pre-draft process extremely seriously. I want to ensure that I make an informed decision that will set the foundation for sustained success and prosperity throughout my playing career and beyond.”
Cowan Jr. is one start short of breaking the century mark for the Terps, taking the floor for the opening whistle in all 99 games he’s played in since joining the team in 2016. He led the team in scoring, assists and minutes last season.
“My last three seasons at Maryland have been a true blessing and I have grown so much as a player and person,” Cowan Jr. said. “As I enter my final year of eligibility, I feel it’s important to receive an evaluation of my game from professional teams to best prepare myself for life after college.”
The NBA Draft will be held June 20. Players will undergo further evaluation during the NBA Combine from May 14 to 19. Players have to officially withdrawal from NCAA competition by May 29.
