Caleb Swanigan Withdraws from 2016 NBA Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan withdrew from the 2016 NBA draft on Wednesday, opting instead to return to college for his sophomore season.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman reported the news, which is a huge boost for Purdue's 2016-17 outlook. Swanigan led the Boilermakers with 8.3 rebounds per contest last season and averaged 10.2 points.   

Per ESPN.com's Andy Katz, Swanigan said in a text message, "I'm going back to school. I feel I'm only a [second-round] pick, and I can do better than that. I love Purdue."

Sam Vecenie of CBSSports.com weighed in on Swanigan's decision:

Swanigan took advantage of a new rule implemented this year that allows players to go through the pre-NBA draft process with the chance to go back to school if they don't hire an agent.

Purdue small forward Vince Edwards, who withdrew from the draft on Tuesday, per Purdue's official athletics website, reacted to Wednesday's news, featuring a photo of Swanigan and himself:

The Boilermakers finished 26-9 last season and made the NCAA tournament as a fifth seed but were upset by 12th-seeded Arkansas-Little Rock 85-83 in the opening round.

In addition to not receiving the type of draft feedback he'd hoped for, Swanigan also had to feel like he had some unfinished business to tend to following Purdue's early exit from the Big Dance. That may well further his efforts to improve his game and to push the Boilermakers deeper in March Madness.

Center and leading scorer A.J. Hammons was a senior in 2015-16, so Swanigan's return helps out Purdue's frontcourt immensely. Rising junior Isaac Haas is likely to fill in for Hammons and form a stellar trio with Swanigan and Edwards on the wing.

An improved backcourt featuring graduate transfer Spike Albrecht and incoming freshman floor general Carsen Edwards ought to help the Boilermakers put together a stellar season.

The opportunity is ripe for Swanigan to take on a greater leadership role, which should bolster his 2017 NBA draft stock.