Georgia Tech’s Josh Okogie declares for draft, leaves room to return

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 06: Josh Okogie #5 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets works against Jerome Robinson #1 of the Boston College Eagles in the first half during the first round of the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 6, 2018 in New York City.  (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Credit: Abbie Parr

Credit: Abbie Parr

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 06: Josh Okogie #5 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets works against Jerome Robinson #1 of the Boston College Eagles in the first half during the first round of the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Georgia Tech guard Josh Okogie has declared for the NBA draft, but will not sign with an agent to preserve the opportunity to return for his junior season.

Okogie was named to the All-ACC third team this season, averaging 18.2 points per game. Okogie has submitted his application to the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee and the NBA. The application allows him to work out for NBA teams beginning April 24 and attend the league’s draft combine (May 16-20) and receive feedback on his draft status. He has until May 30 to withdraw his name from the draft in order to preserve his eligibility.

It is something of a no-lose proposition for Okogie. He can test the waters, get feedback from NBA teams and still come back to Tech. College players are allowed unlimited opportunities to leave and come back.

“After consulting with my family, I have decided to take this step, gather all the information I can and see what is best for me,” Okogie said in a statement. “If it’s in my best interest not to go, then I’ll look forward to being back for my junior year at Georgia Tech. This is a very exciting time for me, and I’m very humbled by this opportunity, I would love to have everyone’s continued support and prayers during this process.”

Speaking after the Yellow Jackets' first-round loss to Boston College in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 6, Okogie gave indication that he intended to return. He said that he was "just going to be ready to do whatever they need me to do," whether that was playing 20 minutes or 40 minutes.

He said he expects freshman point guard Jose Alvarado will be motivated for his sophomore season after his season-ending elbow fracture.

“And that’s the kind of fuel we’re going to need this summer once we start working out and trying to get better,” Okogie said.

But, asked directly about his plans, Okogie said that he hadn’t thought about it, but that the question was in the air. He said he planned to talk with his parents and coaches to make a decision.

“Josh will get the opportunity over the next several weeks to receive all the feedback he needs from NBA people to make a decision on his future,” coach Josh Pastner said in a statement. “He is a tremendous young man and an excellent student-athlete.”