Report: Heron will withdraw from NBA draft to stay close to ill mother

Auburn sophomore wing Mustapha Heron will withdraw from the 2018 NBA Draft and instead opt to transfer to a school closer to home in order to be with his ailing mother, according to Zagsblog's Adam Zagoria.

“What people don’t know is Mustapha’s mom has been sick for a year,” said Heron's father, Bryan, on Tuesday by phone to Zagoria. “Being home, he wants to get closer to his mom. He knew he had to go back to school. The last month he’s been here and he wants to be close to his mom, where she can see him play.”

Heron will apply for a hardship waiver to try to gain immediate eligibility for the 2018-19 season.

The Waterbury, Conn. native was the Tigers' leading scorer this past season, averaging 16.4 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game.