The second LSU basketball player to make such an announcement Thursday, LSU freshman forward Emmitt Williams announced he would declare for the NBA Draft via a post on Instagram.
The announcement came hours after fellow freshman Javonte Smart announced he would join Naz Reid, Tremont Waters and Skylar Mays in potentially departing LSU early for the draft.
“I am thankful for the opportunity I had at LSU to play collegiate basketball,” Williams said in the post. “Being at LSU has allowed me to grow and develop on and off the court. I am forever grateful for this experience and the memories I have created with my brothers.”
A former five-star recruit out of Florida, Williams came off the bench for a bulk of the season, averaged seven points and 5.4 rebounds per game despite averaging less than 20 minutes per contest.
Williams’ departure means LSU’s top six scorers for the 2018-19 season have either declared for the NBA Draft or used up all their eligibility with the program, as is the case with senior forward Kavell Bigby-Williams.
Williams or any of the athletes who have declared for the draft may return to LSU, even if they retain an agent.
An agent may guide them through the pre-draft process of meeting coaches, teams and scouts, and they may even participate in the NBA Draft Combine in May 15.
If they choose to come back to LSU, they will have to do with 10 days after the combine ends, making this year’s deadline May 25.
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