Longhorns BREAKING: Tyrese Hunter Declares for NBA Draft

Tyrese Hunter arrived to Austin last offseason as a transfer from Iowa State and started all 38 games for the Texas Longhorns this season.

© Reese Strickland, USA TODAY

AUSTIN -- After one season on the Forty Acres, Texas Longhorns guard Tyrese Hunter will be declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft, he said in a statement on social media Friday.

Luckily for Texas fans, a return next season is still possible, as Hunter says he will be maintaining his collegiate eligibility and did not say that he has intentions to enter the transfer portal.

Dear Longhorn Nation, 

As always, I want to start by thanking the man above for gifting me with the ability to play this game I love. I want to thank all the people who have helped me get to this point. To my teammates and coaches, thank you for pushing me everyday and allowing me to be myself. Longhorn Nation, thank you! Since Day 1, you have shown me a tremendous amount of support.

After the loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the Elite Eight, Hunter told LonghornsCountry.com that he was unsure about the future and wouldn't commit to a return next season.

"I don't know the future for sure," he said. "None of us really, I don't know what the future is gonna look like. But for the program moving forward, I think the program is in pretty good shape.”

Hunter arrived to Texas last offseason as a transfer from Iowa State. This season, he started all 38 games for the Longhorns, playing 30.2 minutes per game while averaging 10.3 points, three rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Hunter was key to Texas' run to the Elite Eight, as he averaged 11 points per game in the NCAA Tournament, which included a team-high 19 points in the 83-71 win over the Xavier Musketeers in the Sweet 16.

The Longhorns and new head coach Rodney Terry will now have to prepare for the possibility of Hunter not returning next season as he tests the NBA waters.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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