Freshman forward JT Thor announced today that he would be tossing his name in the hat for the 2021 NBA Draft, and Auburn basketball fans got a little panicky on Twitter. All is not lost, folks, for Thor will have the option to return to the Plains.
The Anchorage, Alaska native plans to go through the NBA’s evaluation process, but according to AuburnTigers.com Thor can sign with an agent certified by the NCAA, receive feedback, and still return to school to keep playing Auburn basketball. Bruce Pearl plans to support Thor no matter his decision:
"“JT has a great future ahead of him,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “He’s a hard worker, he’s got great versatility and he showed the potential he has on both ends of the floor this past season. We’re going to support him as he goes through this process and receives valuable feedback. We’re going to work really hard to see that he gets the best opportunity, whether that is keeping his name in the draft or coming back to Auburn.”"
There are no dates yet set for the NBA draft, combine, or NCAA eligibility, so no word yet on when Thor will make his final decision. In his freshman season, Thor averaged 9.4 points, five rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He shot 44 percent from the floor and 74 percent at the free-throw line.
In the wake of Thor’s announcement, fans took to Twitter to assure themselves and others that everything is just fine in the world of Auburn basketball:
Never a bad thing to see where you stand with the scouts. If you get a lottery grade then go my man. War Damn Eagle forever.
— Secular Barner (@thcookymonsta) March 23, 2021
JT Thor announcing he’ll test the NBA waters with the option to return to school
— Drew Oldham (@orangeanddrew) March 23, 2021
this was 1000% expected. wouldn’t be right by the coaching staff if they didn’t push him to do so https://t.co/n3LtWpCzS1
If you remember, Jared Harper and Bryce Brown “tested the NBA waters” as well. It’s good publicity for the kid, the school, not to mention getting some evals back.
— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) March 23, 2021
I wouldn’t read too much into JT Thor’s announcement. There’s nothing to lose.
Everything is okay, guys! He’ll probably be back. JT Thor is simply a young man testing the NBA waters and getting some feedback on his game. It’s pretty likely we’ll see him back in orange and blue at Auburn Arena for the 2021-22 season, but even if we don’t it will be incredible for a guy like Thor to head to the big leagues.