(SportsNetwork.com) - Ohio State freshman D'Angelo Russell said Wednesday that he will declare for the NBA Draft.
Russell, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, led the Buckeyes in scoring and rebounding this past season.
"This was a hard decision because I knew I could come back and play with my teammates who I love, and to be coached by coach Thad Matta again would have been awesome, but at the same time I wanted to pursue my dream of playing in the NBA," Russell told ESPN.com.
"I know what I am capable of and the sky's the limit with effort. I know I have a lot to work on."
Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 35 games and was named a first-team All-American by numerous outlets. He was an All-Big Ten selection and was named the conference's top freshman.
He is widely projected to be a top-five pick in the draft.