F Brendan Bailey leaving Marquette to pursue pro career

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Marquette forward Brendan Bailey is bypassing his final two seasons of eligibility to pursue a pro career.

Bailey had entered his name into consideration for the NBA draft in April but still had the option of returning to school. Bailey and Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski announced Friday that Bailey was indeed moving forward with his pro career.

“This has always been a dream of mine, and Marquette has helped prepare me to make this dream a reality,” Bailey said in a statement issued by the university.

Bailey, the son of former Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Thurl Bailey, will turn 23 on June 9. He spent two years on a mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between the end of his high school career and the start of his Marquette career.

The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 7.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 25.3 minutes this past season. He started each of Marquette’s 30 games as the Golden Eagles went 18-12.

“We are thankful for his contributions to our program the last two seasons and will do all we can to assist him with the process,” Wojciechowski said in a statement. “His best basketball is ahead of him and we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next.”

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