BJ Mullens declares for NBA draft

[elcheato]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — B.J. Mullens is the latest "one and done" at Ohio State.

The 7-foot freshman announced Thursday he would declare himself available for the NBA draft, the fifth Buckeyes player in the last three seasons to leave after playing one year.

The Columbus-area native averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds, and shot 64% from the field to set a school freshman record. He started two of the 33 games this past season for the Buckeyes, who lost to Siena in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

After Ohio State went 35-4 and lost in the national championship game to Florida two years ago, freshmen Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook all were taken in the first round of the NBA draft. Last season, 7-foot freshman Kosta Koufos jumped was drafted by Utah.

Coach Thad Matta, who has had to basically rebuild the program each of the last three seasons, said he was disappointed that Mullens was leaving early.

Another one and done center at OSU....

 

[Gtown81]

tough loss for Ohio State

 

[jarrod2323]

he really thinks that not staying another year wouldn't help his status? to me, his numbers and PT don't justify a first round pick

 

[elcheato]

he really thinks that not staying another year wouldn't help his status? to me, his numbers and PT don't justify a first round pick

His potential alone and upside would land him in the first round, maybe lotto. Also he probably didn't want to come back as the 6th man again, because it seems Matta likes to start the defensive big man at OSU in Dallas Lauderdale. Also I am pretty sure Mullens' family has some financial problems. Wish he would have stayed though, the OSU team next year could be pretty good.

 

[.GR]

Mullens will be a top 5 pick probably I'm guessing?

 

[The Young One]

He should stay. But the kid family is really poor. He's been homeless so he needs the money.

 

[Mexi]

If he's been homeless, he better go to the NBA
his family needs the money, and he's gonna get it

 

[The Young One]

If he's been homeless, he better go to the NBA
his family needs the money, and he's gonna get it

Agreed thats why im not hammering this decision. He needs to stay another year skill wise but he has to provide for his family so i respect his choice because if any of us were in the same position i believe we all would leave too.