Michigan’s Robinson III, Stauskas declare for draft

Michigan coach John Beilein announced Tuesday that sophomores Glenn Robinson III and Nik Stauskas will forgo their final two years of eligibility and declare for early entry into the 2014 NBA Draft.

“In a very short period of time, these two young men have had a very positive impact on the Michigan basketball program,” Beilein said. “From day one, Glenn and Nik have had the right attitude and work ethic that has helped us enjoy so much of our recent success.

“They both understand that they will need to continue to work even harder in the years to come to accomplish their goals in the NBA. We will continue to do whatever we can to assist and guide them as they take this next step in their basketball careers. We are excited for Glenn and Nik as they pursue this next stage of their life and begin their professional careers.”

Robinson, a forward, and Stauskas, a guard, helped Michigan go 59-17 overall and 27-9 in Big Ten play over the past two seasons. The 59 total wins is the best total for any two-year period in the history of the school.

They were instrumental in Michigan’s return to the Final Four in 2013, when the Wolverines advanced to the national title game before losing to Louisville. This past season, the duo helped Michigan win its first outright Big Ten regular-season title in 28 years, earn its first No. 1 seed at the Big Ten Tournament and advance to the title game for the first time since 1998 as well as a second straight trip to the NCAA’s Elite Eight.

Robinson averaged 13.1 points and 4.4 rebounds this season.

“I have thought a lot about the next step in my career over this past year,” Robinson said. “After talking with my mom, my dad, my grandma, Coach Beilein and the coaching staff, I feel the time is right for me to begin my professional career and declare for the NBA Draft. I am confident I have the work ethic, the talent and maturity to pursue this path successfully.”

Stauskas averaged 17.5 points and 3.3 assists this season.

“For as long as I can remember I have had a goal of playing in the NBA, whether it was on my backyard court or winning the Big Ten title at Crisler Center,” Stauskas said. “Following some heartfelt discussions with my family, Coach Beilein and the rest of the coaching staff, I am ready to pursue my goals and begin my NBA career.”

The 2014 NBA Draft is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, at the Barclays Center in New York.