The Austin American-Statesman reports that Texas freshman forward Tristan Thompson plans to enter the NBA Draft.
Thompson finished his first college season strong, and though he needs to add muscle and add to his game, he'll be an intriguing prospect and could come off the board anywhere between 7-15. The Cavaliers' second first-round selection will be no lower than 11th pending results of the May 17 draft lottery.
With post players Jared Sullinger and Perry Jones deciding to stay in school, Thompson's stock jumped. The prevailing thought was that he planned to stay in school at least one season to play alongside fellow Canadian and his Findlay (Nev.) Prep high school teammate, lighting-quick point guard Myck Kabongo.
The paper reported that Thompson, who's listed at 6'8, said at the Longhorns’ annual awards banquet last week that if he did enter the draft, it would be with an agent.
Thompson was named a first-team freshman All-American by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association after averaging 13.1 points, 7.8 rebounds a game and a Big-12 best 2.4 blocked shots per game.
Another Longhorn, small forward Jordan Hamilton, has yet to announce his decision. He figures as a mid-first round pick if he chooses to leave school. Freshman guard Cory Joseph, another part of Texas' Canada-Findlay connection, reportedly plans to stay in school.
But with a guaranteed contract awaiting incoming first-round picks, declaring for the draft has long been considered the wise route for those with the assurance they’ll be taken in the top half of the first round.
“There are risks to staying in school,” Canadian men’s national team coach Leo Rautins said. “There is another year of scrutiny, people can start picking apart your game. The NBA drafts on potential. With his body and his game he should be a very good NBA player for 10 or 12 years. Better he gets in the draft and can start working on his craft for the league he’s going to be playing in.”
Multiple sources said that Thompson will be signing with Leon Rose, a powerful agent whose roster of clients does or has included Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors.
Players who declare for the draft can return to college if they withdraw from the draft. Those who sign with an agent are deemed ineligible by the NCAA.
No Canadian has ever been taken higher than Steve Nash, who was drafted 15th overall in 1996. Thompson would be the first Canadian taken in the first round since Toronto big man Jamaal Magloire (now with the Miami Heat) was chosen 19th in 2000.
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