Ohio University junior guard Jason Preston will remain in the 2021 NBA draft and will sign with Rock Nation Sports agent Drew Gross, Preston told ESPN on Wednesday.
Preston — number 43 on ESPN's list of top 100 prospects — is a rapidly rising guard on the front office draft board after a recent strong combining performance in Chicago.
Preston, who is 6-foot-4, has established himself as one of the best passers-by and playwrights in this year's draft.
Preston's announcement for the draft concludes an impossible journey from bench-warming high school player to aspiring player to the NCAA Tournament architect of Ohio, troubled by No. 4 seed Virginia in March.
"The hardest decision of my life.. but the time is now!!" Preston posted on Twitter. “To the University of Ohio… I am so grateful and I will be forever grateful for always taking a chance and believing in me. I love you forever, but always first know that you always have to believe in you.” Will happen !! "
Under Ohio coach Jeff Boles, Preston averaged 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season.
Hardest decision of my life.. but the time is now!! To Ohio University… I’m so so so THANKFUL and I’ll always be forever GRATEFUL for taking a chance and believing in me. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BOBCAT NATION💚But always know first you always have to BELIEVE IN YOU!! pic.twitter.com/qbmW9FyhXr
— Jason Preston (@Treballjay11) July 7, 2021