One Ohio player has declared for the NBA Draft.
Ohio forward Antonio Campbell has declared for the 2016 NBA Draft, the team announced Tuesday.
There's a catch, though. Campbell will not hire an agent in order to retain his NCAA eligibility for his senior season.
Currently a junior, Campbell is the first Bobcat since Armon Bassett in 2010 to declare for the NBA Draft early. The last Bobcat to be drafted was Brandon Hunter in 2003 by the Boston Celtics.
Twenty-one Bobcats have been drafted since 1946.
"The new rules pertaining to the draft are of great benefit to the student-athlete," Ohio coach Saul Phillips said. "Tony is smart to utilize these rules to evaluate his standing as well as receive input as to how he can continue to develop as a player. Because he has not hired an agent, he can withdraw from the draft at any point."
Since he did not hire an agent, Campbell will be able to work out with any NBA team that extends an offer starting April 26 and is eligible for the NBA Draft Combine on May 11-15, if selected. The option to withdraw from the draft and return for his senior year is May 25.
Since he is not a senior, Campbell will not be able to participate in the Portsmouth Invitational starting April 15 — an annual tournament that has helped increase players' draft stock.
"I’m grateful to Ohio University for allowing me to go through this process to see where I stand entering the NBA Draft," Campbell said in a press release. "By not hiring an agent, it leaves the door open for me to return for my senior season with the Bobcats."
Campbell started all 35 games for the Bobcats in his third season, averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds and a block per game.
He was awarded Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, All-MAC first team honors and an AP All-American honoree for his season. He was the first player to earn those honors since D.J. Cooper in 2013.
Campbell led the Bobcats in scoring 15 times in 2015-16 and helped lead the Bobcats to a 23-12 record and a 11-7 record in the MAC.
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