It was always widely expected Trevor Thompson would return to Ohio State for his junior season when he surprisingly announced his intentions to declare for the NBA Draft but did not hire an agent. The Buckeyes' coaching staff even planned as if Thompson would be back in the fold for the 2016-17 season.
On Tuesday, though, it was made official. Thompson will withdraw his name from the NBA Draft. ESPN's Jeff Goodman was the first to report the news.
Ohio State big man Trevor Thompson told ESPN he has withdrawn from the NBA Draft.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 17, 2016
Thompson later announced his intentions to return to Ohio State for his junior season with a series of tweets from his personal Twitter account.
I've enjoyed the process of pursuing my dream which is to play in the NBA.
— Trevor Thompson (@TrevBallinTrey2) May 17, 2016
I received great feedback which was my ultimate goal when I decided to enter the Draft.
— Trevor Thompson (@TrevBallinTrey2) May 17, 2016
I'm excited and ready to get back to my team and Buckeye Nation -H !!!!!!!!
— Trevor Thompson (@TrevBallinTrey2) May 17, 2016
After sitting out a year following a transfer from Virginia Tech, Thompson started 28 games this season for the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-11 native of Indianapolis averaged 6.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in 18 minutes per game. Thompson platooned the center position for Ohio State this past year with Daniel Giddens, but following the season Giddens opted to transfer from the program.
Thompson figures to see the bulk of the minutes at that spot this upcoming season. The Buckeyes also have redshirt sophomore David Bell on their roster and bring in two freshmen big men in the 2016 class in four-star forward Derek Funderburk and three-star center Micah Potter.
