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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Clifford, Hawkinson and Iroegbu will return to WSU

In this Dec. 22, 2015 file photo, Washington State forward Josh Hawkinson, front left, controls a rebound as Oklahoma forward Khadeem Lattin watches during the first half of the Diamond Head Classic. Hawkinson will play for the Pac-12 team this summer in Australia. (Eugene Tanner / Associated Press)
In this Dec. 22, 2015 file photo, Washington State forward Josh Hawkinson, front left, controls a rebound as Oklahoma forward Khadeem Lattin watches during the first half of the Diamond Head Classic. Hawkinson will play for the Pac-12 team this summer in Australia. (Eugene Tanner / Associated Press)

Conor Clifford, Ike Iroegbu and Josh Hawkinson have withdrawn their names from the NBA draft and will return to Washington State for their senior seasons.

The trio took advantage of new rules that make it easier for college players to test the draft waters, but none of the Cougars was invited to the predraft combine or showed up in mock drafts. Because they did not hire agents, they still have their college eligibility.

In a press release, WSU coach Ernie Kent said, "I’m happy that Josh, Ike and Conor all had the opportunity to explore the NBA and the draft process,” WSU head coach Ernie Kent said. “I think it’s going to not only give them, but also their teammate, Charles Callison, an excellent feel for what they need to do during the off-season and this upcoming basketball season, that’ll put them in the best position to play at the next level.”

Hawkinson was an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention selection the last two years, and collected 20 double-doubles in both of those seasons. Last year he led the team in scoring and his 11.1 rebounds per game ranked No. 11 nationally.

Iroegbu was the only Cougar to start all 31 games and scored 20 or more points five times. Clifford shot 64 percent from the field and 82.5 percent from the free throw line in his first year with the Cougars. He should have an even bigger role now that starting center Valentine Izundu has transferred to San Diego State.

The Cougars only return seven letterwinners from last year's team, but they do get back 67 percent of their scoring.



Jacob Thorpe
Jacob Thorpe is a freelance sports columnist covering Washington State football.

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