Grant decides to forgo final two years at SU, declares for NBA draft

The sophomore forward joins Tyler Ennis as SU's underclassmen in the draft.

Yet another piece of Syracuse’s 2013-2014 men’s basketball puzzle decided to leave the program, as Jerami Grant officially announced his decision to enter the NBA draft Monday.

"After extensive discussions with my family and coaches, I have decided to pursue my dream of playing professional basketball, Grant announced in a press release. "I am so thankful to coach Boeheim and the rest of the Orange coaching staff for guiding me throughout my college career, and am grateful to my teammates for two incredible seasons.”

Over his two seasons at Syracuse, Grant started 29 out of 52 games. While he only averaged 3.9 points-per-game and 3.0 rebounds-per-game in his first season, Grant elevated his game as a sophomore, averaging 12.1 points-per-game and led the team with 6.8 rebounds-per-game. 

"We'd like to thank Jerami for his tremendous contribution to Syracuse Basketball over the last two years," Head Coach Jim Boeheim said. "We wish him well in all of his future endeavors."

Grant joins Tyler Ennis, who declared for the draft on Mar. 27, and senior C.J. Fair in the draft. Both Ennis and Grant are projected as mid-to-late round picks. NBADraft.net predicts the Minnesota Timberwolves will select Grant with the 13th pick, while CBSSports.com analysts Gary Parrish and Matt Morre have Grant going to the Oklahoma City Thunder at 22 and Zach Harper has Grant going to the Toronto Raptors with the 20th pick.

“I am excited to start my journey in the NBA, but I also look forward to finishing my college degree,” Grant said. “I cannot thank my coaches, teammates and the entire Orange community enough for all of their support."

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