Maryland basketball’s Bruno Fernando returning to NBA combine

After getting advice to return to school at last year’s NBA Draft Combine, Maryland basketball’s Bruno Fernando will return to the event for 2019 to cement his draft stock.

The Terps center is one of 66 players listed on the NBA’s official combine list, released Wednesday. He’ll join surefire top-five picks Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and RJ Barrett in Chicago from May 15-19 at the United Center.

Not on the list is Maryland guard Anthony Cowan Jr., who was also left off the G-League Combine list released earlier this week. Cowan has always been expected to return to College Park for his senior season, although he’ll likely keep his name in the draft in a little longer to continue receiving feedback from pro teams. Cowan has until May 29 to announce his return.

Fernando measured well at last year’s event, standing 6’9 ³⁄₄ in shoes and boasting a 7’4 ¹⁄₄ wingspan and a 9’1 standing reach. His impact didn’t translate in scrimmages, though, where he exposed some of his flaws. After a breakout year as one of the most improved players in the country, scouts may put less stock could be put into the scrimmages this time around.

After averaging 13.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks as a sophomore, the Angolan center announced he’d forgo the rest of his college eligibility last week. Projected as a first-round pick by most major outlets, the most crucial part of Fernando’s combine should be the interview process.

Fernando is represented by Priority Sports and Entertainment, the same agency used by former teammate Kevin Huerter, last year’s No. 19 overall pick, and fellow Terp Jake Layman. Fernando will look to make Maryland the only school to have first round picks in each of the last two NFL and NBA Drafts.