Jabari Walker declares for the 2022 NBA Draft

BOULDER — Jabari Walker is taking his talents to the next level… maybe.

Colorado’s star forward announced on Instagram on Wednesday that he plans to enter the 2022 NBA Draft, but he will retain his NCAA eligibility. That means he won’t be accepting any advances or gifts from agents, which would otherwise result in him becoming ineligible. Walker will have until June 13 to decide whether to stay at CU or stay in the 2022 NBA Draft pool.

Walker earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors as a sophomore this season. He averaged 14.6 points and 9.4 rebounds while shooting 46% from the field and 35% from deep. His 17 double-doubles were seven more than anybody else in the conference.

Walker would become the fourth scholarship player to leave CU’s program this offseason if he doesn’t withdraw from the draft. Senior forward Evan Battey is moving on to the professional ranks and guards Elijah Parquet and Keeshawn Barthelemy have entered the transfer portal.

CU point guard McKinley Wright IV declared for the draft in 2020 but decided to return to school for his senior season. He went undrafted the next season but joined the Minnesota Timberwolves on a two-way contract.