BYU basketball: Eric Mika will hire an agent and remain in NBA Draft

BYU basketball has some big shoes to fill as Eric Mika announced he is hiring an agent and remaining in the NBA Draft.

About 12 months ago, BYU basketball fans were (somewhat foolishly) talking about potential Final Four runs.

Now, BYU’s best player is leaving as a sophomore and the Cougars are back at a crossroads.

For years BYU basketball fans waited for the Lone Peak Three to reunite. The stars that dominated the high school ranks were coming to Provo. Dave Rose finally had top level talent.

Then, in a flash, one third (and the best third) of it is gone.

Eric Mika announced today that he is hiring an agent and remaining in the NBA Draft.

“My wife and I are excited for the next step in this journey,” Mika said in a BYU press release. “l loved my time at BYU and it truly was a dream come true playing and studying here and I wouldn’t trade the memories I made here for anything.”

Mika averaged 20.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, helping BYU basketball to a 22-12 record. The 6-foot-10 forward participated in the NBA Draft Combine last week.

In the same BYU press release, Rose praised the All-West Coast Conference player.

“We’re very excited for Eric and support him in this decision. He has the potential to be a great pro because of his amazing work ethic and great support system around him.”

There’s no denying that the NBA D-League provides Mika with better chances of making it in the NBA. This is especially true when considering his WCC schedule won’t turn heads.

But on the flipside, one has to think that another season with BYU basketball would’ve allowed Mika to play his way into the first round.

We’ll see how things play out at the NBA Draft in June.