NCAA News Wire
Oklahoma State’s Smart declares for NBA draft
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsUpdated15 Oct 2021
Oklahoma State sophomore point guard Marcus Smart has declared for the upcoming NBA draft, opting to give up his final two seasons of college eligibility.
Smart, who is likely to be an early first-round draft choice, was expected to turn pro after his freshman season, but surprised many by returning for another season.
It turned out to be a controversial season.
While the Cowboys were in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, Smart shoved a Texas Tech fan during a game and was suspended for three games.
However, Smart told the Oklahoman he did not regret returning for his sophomore season.
“I had a great season here at Oklahoma State,” Smart told the newspaper. “It’s weird, because I didn’t go to the NBA Draft last year, I chose to come back — which I do not regret at all. A lot of people say I made the wrong decision. But who are they to tell me what I should have done? It’s me, not them.
“I believe I made the right decision. I get to do what I love to do.”
Smart averaged 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season for Oklahoma State, which lost in the second round of this year’s NCAA tournament.
Smart was named a third-team Associated Press All-American.
“I’ve told my teammates and my coaching staff, this year was my last year here and I am declaring for the NBA Draft,” Smart told the Oklahoman. “I have picked an agent, with the Wasserman Group, a great group of guys.”
