The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year RJ Cole is not returning to Howard one way or another.
Cole declared for the 2019 NBA Draft on Apr. 9, according to The Undefeated. In a statement he Cole noted he wanted to learn more about the process and get an evaluation on his game for the next level.
“Ultimately, my goal is to be a professional basketball player, to play in the NBA,” Cole said. “I need to learn more about the process and my game so I can understand what I need to work on in the future.”
The 6-foot-1 point guard has until May 29 to pull from the draft process and retain his collegiate eligibility. If he does indeed return to college basketball next season as expected, it will not be with the Howard Bison.
Cole entered the transfer protocol on Apr. 18, according to Adam Zagoria of the New York Times.
Zagoria also reported Cole is slated to meet with Alabama and Connecticut officials in the transfer process. With both meetings going good.
Seton Hall and Murray State each have also scored a meeting with the New Jersey native in DC, according Zagoria.
In two seasons at Howard, Cole was exceptional, averaging 23.7 points and 6.1 assists as a freshman in 2017-18. Last season, he averaged 21.4 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.9 steals as he was named MEAC Player of the Year.
