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SMU’s Semi Ojeleye will stay in the NBA Draft

By Chris Stone

Dec 27, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) shoots a free throw during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) shoots a free throw during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Mustangs’ star will forgo his senior season, entering the 2017 NBA Draft.

Southern Methodist University junior Semi Ojeleye announced via his Twitter account on Sunday that he will forgo his final season of college eligibility in order to stay in the NBA Draft.

Ojeleye transferred to SMU from Duke after his sophomore season. He averaged 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in his lone season in Dallas as he helped lead the Mustangs to American Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships. SMU also earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament before being upset in the opening round by USC.

Had Ojeleye opted to return for his final season of eligibility, the Mustangs likely would have been a preseason top 25 team alongside fellow AAC members Cincinnati and Wichita State. Without him and departing seniors Sterling Brown and Ben Moore, it will be tough to expect SMU to replicate the same success it had this season.

The 6-foot-8 combo forward participated in the NBA Combine last week in Chicago before making his decision. Ojeleye performed well there, testing excellently in the athletic measurements. At 6-foot-7 and 241 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he has the physical traits needed to be a modern day small ball power forward.

Ojeleye’s skill set, particularly his defensive versatility and ability to knock down shots from behind the arc will also help his case. He made 42.4 percent of his 3-pointers this season after rarely shooting them during his two seasons at Duke. Ojeleye is projected to be the No. 29 pick in June’s NBA Draft, according to our latest mock draft.

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Ojeleye’s announcement resolves one of the most important early entry decisions still on the board. Michigan still awaits the decisions of both D.J. Wilson and Moritz Wagner while Kentucky is still uncertain regarding what potential semester-and-done product Hamidou Diallo will do.