Jordan decides to stay in NBA draft

Texas A&M big man DeAndre Jordan announced on Monday that he will not return to Texas A&M next season, deciding to "pursue his lifelong dream" of playing in the NBA.

After a less-than-stellar freshman season at Texas A&M, some wondered if DeAndre Jordan would return for his sophomore season to improve his stock among NBA scouts.

But on Monday, Texas A&M head coach Mark Turgeon ended the suspense, announcing that Jordan would not return to the Aggies' bench next season.

“DeAndre is pursuing his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA,” Turgeon said. “The Aggie basketball family wishes him nothing but the best in the draft and in his professional career.”

Jordan led the team with 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, but averaged just 7.9 as a true freshman as he struggled to earn playing time down the stretch.

Jordan's size and athleticism are his biggest assets though, and apparently was enough for NBA scouts to guarantee the seven-footer a spot in the first round of the draft on June 26.

If Jordan is drafted in the first round, it will mark the third consecutive year that an Aggie has heard his named called in the first round.

Antoine Wright was taken by the New Jersey Nets with the 15th pick in 2005 and Acie Law IV was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 11th pick in 2007--the highest draft pick in Texas A&M school history.