Deshaun Thomas leaving Ohio State for NBA

Erick Smith, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas will bypass his final season of eligibility and enter the NBA draft, the school announced Friday.

In his three seasons, Thomas scored 1,630 points to rank ninth on the school's all-time list. He was part of one Final Four team in 2012.

"My three years at Ohio State have been the best years of my life," Thomas said in a statement. "I have grown tremendously as an individual and as a basketball player. I intend to return to finish my degree, but I believe that now is the best opportunity to pursue my dream and begin my career as a professional basketball player."

Thomas averaged a team-high 19.8 points and 5.9 rebounds as the Buckeyes won the Big Ten tournament and reached the Elite Eight this season.

"To see Deshaun grow into the man he has become has been amazing," Ohio State coach Thad Matta said in a statement. "His accomplishments on the floor speak for themselves but I am just as proud of him and what he has done off the floor. We recruited him offering the opportunity to grow as a person and player and that is exactly what happened. I know there is much more in-store for him in the future and I am proud to have been able to coach him."

Even with the loss of Thomas, the Buckeyes appear in good shape for another strong season in 2014. Their other four starters are expected to return, including guards Aaron Craft and Lenzelle Smith Jr.