COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Forward Deshaun Thomas will forego his final season of eligibility at Ohio State and will enter the NBA draft.

Thomas finishes his Buckeyes career ninth on the school's all-time scoring list. He averaged 19.8 points and 5.9 rebounds this season as the Buckeyes landed in the regional semifinals of the NCAA tournament.

"My three years at Ohio State have been the best years of my life," Thomas said. "I have grown tremendously as an individual and as a basketball player. I intend to return to finish my degree, but I believe that now is the best opportunity to pursue my dream and begin my career as a professional basketball player."