Ethan Happ announces return to Wisconsin for final season

Wisconsin Badgers forward Ethan Happ tested out the waters at the next level, but he announced on Wednesday that he will return to UW for his final season.

In March, Happ addressed his future after Wisconsin’s season-ending loss to Michigan State during the Big Ten Tournament, with the official announcement of him declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft coming in April—though he did not hire an agent to keep the door open for his return.

The Racine Journal Times’ Gery Woelfel reported earlier on Wednesday that a source indicated Happ would return to UW.

Happ was not invited to the NBA Combine but has reportedly worked out for teams, with the big man telling the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press This month, he has posted pictures on Instagram of him at the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers’ facilities. He had until Wednesday to stay in draft consideration or withdraw his name to remain eligible for his final year.

Last season, Happ led Wisconsin last season in scoring (17.9 points per game), rebounding (8.0 rebounds), assists (3.7), steals (49 overall), and blocks (35 overall). The first-team All-Big Ten honoree by the media was also named a 2018 NABC second-team All-District selection.

His return to UW will help a squad led by head coach Greg Gard in rebounding from a rough 15-18 campaign last season, one in which the team missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 19 years.