University of Connecticut Athletics
Adama Sanogo Declares For 2023 NBA Draft
4/13/2023 5:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UConn Athletic Communications / April 13, 2023
STORRS, Conn. – UConn junior Adama Sanogo, named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four as the Huskies captured the 2023 NCAA National Championship, has decided to forego his remaining college eligibility and declare himself available for the 2023 NBA Draft.
"After discussions with my family and my coaches at UConn, I have decided that it is time to take the next step in my basketball career," Sanogo said. "UConn has become my second home and will never forget how much I enjoyed my years here."
"I want to thank Coach (Dan) Hurley and his coaching staff for believing in me and helping me develop into the player I am today. I also want to thank my teammates, who have become my brothers -- winning the national championship with them was a dream come true. And I want to thank the UConn fans for all their support and making me feel welcome."
Sanogo, who has indicated that he will sign with an agent, led the Huskies in scoring (17.2) and rebounding (7.7) and shot .606 overall, .365 from three-point range, and .766 from the foul line this season as the team went 31-8 and swept through the six NCAA Tournament games, winning each by double digits. Â
In the six tournament games, Sanogo was even more impressive, averaging 19.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and shooting .697 overall.
The 6-9 junior (Bamako, Mali) appeared in 91 games for the Huskies, starting 87, including 59 straight over the past two years. He is a two-time First Team All-BIG EAST selection and twice was a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award. In addition to his MOP selection at the Final Four, he was named to the West Regional All-Tournament Team.
Sanogo's 1,268 career point total ranks 34th on UConn's all-time scoring list and his 671 points scored this season is the 12th-highest single-season total in school history. He produced 20 career double-doubles, including three straight in this season's West Regional finals and the two Final Four games.
Sanogo becomes the second Husky from the championship team to declare for the NBA Draft, following Jordan Hawkins' announcement last week.
