Auburn’s Okeke to enter NBA draft

Auburn sophomore forward Chuma Okeke declared for the NBA draft. Okeke announced his decision after a season that ended with a left knee injury during Auburn’s first run to the Final Four.

He had surgery on his torn ACL on April 2.

Okeke averaged 12 points last season. The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder was averaging 15 points and seven rebounds in the NCAA tournament before being hurt in the Sweet 16 against North Carolina. He had 20 points, 11 rebounds and three three-pointers in that game. Under new NCAA rules, Okeke may sign with an agent and still return to school if he chooses.

Nicolas Claxton, a 6-foot-11 forward who led Georgia in scoring, rebounding and blocks, declared for the NBA draft. The sophomore announced his plans on Twitter and followed up hours later by adding, “To the people doubting me I love it.” Claxton has until May 30 to withdraw from the draft. Claxton was a bright spot in coach Tom Crean’s first season, averaging 13 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. He shot 46% from the field but only 28% from three-point range. He weighs 220 pounds and might need to add bulk to compete near the basket in the NBA.

Wake Forest forward Jaylen Hoard said he is staying in the draft and won’t return to school for his sophomore year. Hoard, who would be the fourth Wake Forest player in three years to begin his career in pro basketball early, said he is “excited to continue my journey at the next level.” Hoard averaged 13.1 points and a team-best 7.6 rebounds as a freshman for the Demon Deacons.