AP FILE PHOTO - Iowa’s Payton Sandfort (20) shoots during the first half of a college basketball game against Iowa State on Dec. 7, 2023, in Ames.

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa junior Payton Sandfort has submitted paperwork for early entry into the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

Underclassmen have until May 29 to remain in or remove their names from the draft.

“It has been a dream come true to represent this program and my state the past three seasons as a Hawkeye,” said Sandfort. “Every day I pushed myself to make our team as successful as possible. I have loved every second of being a Hawkeye.

“It has been my lifelong dream to get the opportunity to play in the NBA. I plan to enter my name into the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining my eligibility. I will continue to push myself every day to make this dream a reality. I appreciate the support from Hawkeye nation as I go through this process.”

Sandfort, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward, put up career-best numbers across the board this season, averaging 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor, 37.9 percent from 3-point range and 91.1 percent from the free throw stripe. He ranked second in the Big Ten in free-throw percentage, third in 3-point percentage, eighth in scoring, 12th in field-goal percentage and 13th in rebounding en route to third-team all-Big Ten honors.

The Waukee native scored in double figures in 27 games and posted a team-best 11 20-point contests, including a career-best 30-point, 12-rebound outing in Iowa’s NIT first-round win over Kansas State. He made a career-high seven 3-pointers in the victory.

During the season, Sandfort was one of the best shooters in the Big Ten, leading the league with 94 3-pointers, which ranked in the top 40 nationally.

“We fully support Payton using this opportunity to gain valuable feedback from NBA personnel through workouts and interviews,” said Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery. “Payton is one of the best shooters in the nation and he displayed an all-around game during his junior season. He will go through this process with a professional approach, and we are excited to see his game continue to grow to another level.”