COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland forward Bruno Fernando announced Wednesday he will forgo his final two seasons of eligibility and remain in the 2019 NBA Draft. Fernando is seeking to become the first Angolan to be drafted into the NBA.
"After further consideration, I have decided to place my entire focus on the NBA Draft as I pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level," Fernando said. "I want to thank every member of the Maryland community, especially my teammates, Coach Turgeon and the coaching staff, for making my time here special and everything my family and I could have hoped for. I will always consider Maryland a home away from home."
Fernando had a sensational sophomore season in 2018-19, leading the Big Ten Conference in double-doubles (22) and field goal percentage (.607), while posting the fourth-most rebounds in Maryland single-season history (362). He was Maryland's first-ever finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award and was the only Big Ten player to earn First Team All-Big Ten and All-Defensive team honors.
"Bruno and I have gathered a lot of information and based on those conversations we are excited about his draft prospects," said head coach Mark Turgeon. "I know this was a difficult decision for Bruno because of how much he loved being in College Park. He fully embraced the Maryland experience and loved the fans just as much as they loved him. I'm incredibly proud of the player and, more importantly, the man Bruno has become during his two years here at Maryland. His work ethic and drive to succeed are second to none. We wish him the very best as he pursues his dream at the next level."
Fernando capped his career ranking second in program history in field goal percentage (.595), t-8th in blocks/g (1.6), t-9th in double-doubles (25) and 10th in rebounds/g (8.7). He appeared in 64 career games, making 53 starts.
"After further consideration, I have decided to place my entire focus on the NBA Draft as I pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level," Fernando said. "I want to thank every member of the Maryland community, especially my teammates, Coach Turgeon and the coaching staff, for making my time here special and everything my family and I could have hoped for. I will always consider Maryland a home away from home."
Fernando had a sensational sophomore season in 2018-19, leading the Big Ten Conference in double-doubles (22) and field goal percentage (.607), while posting the fourth-most rebounds in Maryland single-season history (362). He was Maryland's first-ever finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award and was the only Big Ten player to earn First Team All-Big Ten and All-Defensive team honors.
"Bruno and I have gathered a lot of information and based on those conversations we are excited about his draft prospects," said head coach Mark Turgeon. "I know this was a difficult decision for Bruno because of how much he loved being in College Park. He fully embraced the Maryland experience and loved the fans just as much as they loved him. I'm incredibly proud of the player and, more importantly, the man Bruno has become during his two years here at Maryland. His work ethic and drive to succeed are second to none. We wish him the very best as he pursues his dream at the next level."
Fernando capped his career ranking second in program history in field goal percentage (.595), t-8th in blocks/g (1.6), t-9th in double-doubles (25) and 10th in rebounds/g (8.7). He appeared in 64 career games, making 53 starts.
