Loyola men’s basketball star Santi Aldama ‘23 announced Wednesday that he will enter the 2021 NBA Draft. The catch is that he will maintain his college eligibility so that he has the option to return to Loyola if he chooses to do so.

Aldama is coming off a remarkable season averaging 21.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. Despite the team finishing 6-11 during the regular season, Aldama helped lead Loyola to the Patriot League Tournament’s championship game, where his Greyhounds fell to Colgate 85-72. 

In an Instagram post, Aldama expressed how he has “always dreamed of becoming an NBA player, and I am ready to take the next step in my basketball group.” After his outstanding season and putting Loyola on the map as a basketball program, Aldama seems primed to impress NBA scouts in the next few months.

To clarify, Aldama entering the draft means that he will be eligible to be drafted on draft night, but if he is not drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent, he has the option to return to Loyola for his junior season.

Entering the draft has been Aldama’s dream since he was a child, and he’s confident about having success in the NBA. He told ESPN:

“[NBA teams have been] watching me every night doing all the different things I can do with my versatility. How I’ve gotten bigger and stronger and more consistent with my shot.”

Whatever the future holds for Santi Aldama, the entire Loyola community will wish him the best.

Featured Image courtesy of Baloncesto FEB