Trevor Thompson will enter the NBA draft but is undecided about potentially returning to Ohio State for his senior season, The Dispatch has learned.

ESPN’s Jeff Goodman broke the news this afternoon that Thompson would forego his senior season and enter the draft, but players can declare for the draft and go through workouts while maintaining their eligibility provided they do not hire an agent. Thompson went through the process last year and returned to the Buckeyes.

The 7-foot center was named honorable mention all-Big Ten this year after averaging 10.6 points and 9.2 rebounds. A redshirt junior who transferred from Virginia Tech after playing one season for the Hokies, Thompson improved on his 2015-16 season, when he averaged 6.5 points and 5.1 rebounds.

After last season, Thompson declared for the draft but did not hire an agent. He was not invited to the NBA combine and decided to return to school. He was beaten out by freshman Micah Potter for the starting spot during fall camp but eventually supplanted Potter and started 20 games, averaging 23.0 minutes and 3.5 fouls.

Thompson had not informed the coaching staff of his decision as of this afternoon, but Ohio State has not been expecting him to return for what would be his fifth year of college basketball, a team source said. He did not make a final decision until after the Buckeyes season ended when they were not extended an NIT bid.

Thompson, who will turn 23 this summer, was the oldest player on Ohio State's roster.

The Buckeyes have a four-star center prospect in Westerville South'd Kaleb Wesson signed for next season, and he is expected to compete with Potter for a starting spot. Ohio State has also signed a point guard, Braxton Beverly, and would have room for two more players in the class should Thompson leave.

ajardy@dispatch.com

@AdamJardy