Ohio State C Mullens to enter draft

Mar 26, 2009 - 8:34 PM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- For the third straight season, Ohio State is losing a freshman center to the professional ranks.

B.J. Mullens on Thursday announced he will enter the 2009 NBA Draft. The 7-foot freshman follows in the footsteps of centers Greg Oden and Kosta Koufos, who each turn pro after spending one season with the Buckeyes.

"After long consideration I have decided to enter my name in the 2009 NBA Draft," Mullens said. "This was not an easy choice because I love Ohio State University but the many positive reasons for moving on outweigh the many good reasons for staying."

Mullens came off the bench for much of the season for Ohio State (22-11), averaging 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds a game. He also blocked 37 shots while starting just two of the 33 games.

Ohio State coach Thad Matta said it is difficult to see Mullens leave the program so soon.

"I am saddened to lose B.J.," Matta said. "On one hand, I feel another year in school would have allowed him to develop into the player I know he can be and an additional season would have been beneficial to him both personally and monetarily in the long run.

"On the other hand, I am empathetic to the reasons why he has chosen to leave at such an early point in his career. I wish him nothing but the best and know he will always be a part of our basketball family at Ohio State."

Mullens is the fifth Ohio State freshman to declare for the draft in the last three seasons. Oden was the overall No. 1 pick in 2007 and Kosta Koufos was the 23rd selection last year.