Ohio University junior guard Jason Preston will remain in the 2021 NBA draft and sign with agent Drew Gross of Roc Nation Sports, Preston told ESPN on Wednesday.
Preston -- No. 43 on ESPN's list of Top 100 prospects -- is a fast-rising guard on front office draft boards after a strong combine performance in Chicago recently.
Preston, who is 6-foot-4, has established himself as one of the best passers and playmakers in this year's draft.
Preston's declaration for the draft culminates an improbable journey from bench-warming high school player, to aspiring sportswriter, to the architect of Ohio's NCAA tournament upset of No. 4 seed Virginia in March.
"Hardest decision of my life.. but the time is now!!" Preston posted to Twitter. "To Ohio University... I'm so so so THANKFUL and I'll always be forever GRATEFUL for taking a chance and believing in me. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BOBCAT NATION But always know first you always have to BELIEVE IN YOU!!"
Hardest decision of my life.. but the time is now!! To Ohio University... I'm so so so THANKFUL and I'll always be forever GRATEFUL for taking a chance and believing in me. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BOBCAT NATION💚But always know first you always have to BELIEVE IN YOU!! pic.twitter.com/qbmW9FyhXr
— Jason Preston (@Treballjay11) July 7, 2021
Under Ohio coach Jeff Boals, Preston averaged 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season.