Georgia forward Nicolas Claxton was productive as a sophomore under Tom Crean, but that player-coach relationship will not experience a second season.
Claxton, a 6-foot-11, 220-pounder from Greenville, South Carolina, said Tuesday night that he is moving forward with his plans to play in the NBA.
"My first two years at UGA were absolutely special," Claxton posted on Twitter. "I became a better man on and off the court. This past season, Coach Crean and the staff pushed my game to another level.
"After going through the process and getting positive feedback, I have decided to forgo my final two years of college eligibility to remain in the 2019 NBA draft."
Claxton started all 32 games this past season for the 11-21 Bulldogs, leading the team with 13.0 points per game, 8.6 rebounds a contest, 81 blocks and 34 steals. He was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection by league coaches.
In his two seasons with the Bulldogs, Claxton totaled 123 blocks and was on pace to set the program record in that category.
A Sports Illustrated mock draft last week pegged Claxton as the 26th pick of the first round and going to the Cleveland Cavaliers. That same mock draft had all three Tennessee hopefuls - Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield and Jordan Bone - as second-round selections.