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March 28, 2016The NCAA Tournament is ongoing, but Ohio State’s players are starting to make their career decisions since the Buckeyes season has ended. On Saturday, ESPN’s Jeff Goodman reported that Buckeyes’ forward Trevor Thompson declared for the NBA Draft, but will not hire an agent. Not hiring an agent is the biggest news due to the eligibility rule that will allow him to return to college after the NBA evaluation period.
The NBA has a new rule in 2016. College players are allowed to declare for the NBA Draft and withdraw their name without losing eligibility as many times as they want throughout their college career as long as they do not hire an agent. It allows players who declare to take part in the combine and a workout with each of the NBA’s 30 teams before making their decision about the draft itself. They must withdraw within the 10-day window after the combine, which will be May 25 if they desire a return to college.
So, although the redshirt sophomore averaged just 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in 28 games, he will take full advantage of the new rule. After transferring to Ohio State from Virginia Tech, the 6-foot-11, 210-pound forward shot 52 percent from the field in his first season in Columbus.
Head coach Thad Matta mentioned that his whole roster – the players who received playing time at least – will be back next season, following their loss to Florida in the second-round of the NIT that ended their season. Most likely Thompson will be returning as well after he takes part in the NBA evaluation phase.
Whether you agree with the new rule or not, Thompson should be applauded for taking full advantage of the change in preparation for his junior season along with any potential career afterwards. For what it’s worth, last week, Kentucky head coach John Calipari said that each of his players will declare for the draft and take advantage of the rule, including walk-ons.