4 Arizona Wildcats declare for WNBA draft, including Esmery Martinez, who keeps

Tuesday was the last day that a student-athlete could declare for the April 10 draft, unless their team is still playing in the NCAA Tournament.

All three Arizona Wildcats have exhausted their collegiate eligibility, including the extra year given to those who played in the COVID-19 season of 2020-21.

The part that was unexpected: Esmery Martinez is also on the list.

Martinez posted on her Instagram that as she is graduating in May and is keeping all her options open.

“For that reason,” she wrote, “I am declaring for the 2023 WNBA draft while retaining my college eligibility. I will also be entering the transfer portal and would like to maintain the option of returning to the University of Arizona for the upcoming season as well.”

If you think that is confusing, well, it is.

Here’s what the Star was able to uncover, per NCAA regulations. The wording “retaining my college eligibility” is rarely used, but there is precedent. Last season, Anastasia Hayes, from Mississippi State, declared for the draft then returned to her college team before the WNBA deadline.

The language Martinez used was also specific because she had to share it with UA athletic director Dave Heeke before doing anything else.

The NCAA has many rules surrounding what a student-athlete can and cannot do after sharing their intent with the WNBA to enter the draft when they have eligibility left in college. Chief among them is not hiring an agent or accepting gifts from that person. Martinez could also try out for a team — but can’t miss a class and or…