Joel Embiid wanted to remain at Kansas for his sophomore season but he was "pushed" to declare for the 2014 NBA Draft.

"It's funny. I don't think anybody knows this story, but I actually decided to stay because I loved this place so much. But I was kind of pushed away," said Embiid.

Embiid was the third overall pick in the draft and missed the first two seasons of his career due to multiple foot surgeries.

Embiid's season at Kansas was cut short due to a back injury.