After one season with the University of Michigan, Israeli-American center Danny Wolf announced Wednesday that he has declared for the upcoming NBA Draft. If selected, he would become the fourth Israeli athlete to play in the NBA.
“Dear Michigan, this past year has been the greatest of my life. I've had the incredible honor of living out my lifelong dream-playing basketball at the University of Michigan and wearing the maize and blue,” the 22-year-old wrote.
“You believed in me, laid out a vision and gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. You changed my life, and I'll never forget it. You pushed me and challenged me. From the early mornings to the late nights, you were always there. The growth I've had wouldn't be possible without you, and this is only the beginning.”
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Wolf has drawn praise from multiple draft analysts and major outlets, who highlight his agility and shooting range despite his size. He's known for his pick-and-roll play and three-point shooting ability. Several projections place him in the first round, which would guarantee him a contract for next season. Some mock drafts have him going as high as 16th overall.
This season, Wolf averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. In Michigan’s final game — a 78–65 loss to Auburn in the Sweet Sixteen — Wolf stood out with 20 points, ending his season on a high note despite the team’s elimination.
William Brady, a reporter covering Michigan, questioned last month whether Wolf was making the right move. “Most projections have him going in the first round,” Brady wrote. “But there’s also a case to be made that he’s not yet a complete NBA-ready player. In my opinion, he’d benefit from another season to develop further — then try his luck.”