Coming out of high school, Evan Anderson was a five-star recruit.
He was the 16th-ranked center on Scouts.com out of Eau Claire North High School. The top of that list at center includes the NBA’s Enes Kanter, Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo and Meyers Leonard.
Teams like Boston College, Iowa State and Marquette made Anderson offers, but he signed in September of 2009 with the University of Wisconsin.
Four years later, he’s hasn’t lived up to expectations and the redshirt junior announced Thursday morning, he will not return to play for the Badgers next season.
“My ultimate goal was to help this team out in any way that I could,” Anderson said in a statement, “no matter how small or how big of a role that would have been. I really feel like I fulfilled that part. I’m glad I was able to come here. It’s really a special place to be.”
Anderson has played in 10 games this season and just 30 minutes of playing time. He had five points, three blocks, two rebounds, two turnovers and nine fouls.
In three seasons, he’s played 35 games with 20 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
Since he’ll graduate in May, Anderson could transfer to another Division I school without sitting out – much like Russell Wilson did his senior year to quarterback the Badgers from N.C. State.
Anderson, a Stanley, Wis., native, will graduate with a degree in community and environmental sociology and a certificate in criminal justice.