Oklahoma point guard Austin Reaves will declare for the 2021 NBA draft even though he is eligible to play one more year in college.

“I have decided to declare for the NBA draft and will be hiring an agent in the near future,” Reaves told. “My family and I believe this is best decision for my future and I’m super excited for the next part of my journey.”

Reaves was named first-team All-Conference in the Big 12 after a season in which he averaged 18.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists for Oklahoma, which lost in the NCAA tournament round of 32 to No. 1-ranked Gonzaga. Reaves had 27 points against Gonzaga. Two days earlier, he scored 23 points with six assists in the opening round against Missouri.

“This season was definitely one to remember,” Reaves said. “We will all look back in 10 years and be proud of how we, as a team, got through such a strange time in this world with COVID-19. We had some success, broke some records, and created some memories that will last forever.”

Reaves was a spot-up shooter at Wichita State before he transferred and became a point guard.

“I think NBA teams were able to see how I can be a factor on a winning team, how I can get my teammates and myself going to try to win as many games as possible,” Reaves said. “Playing point guard was/is where I am comfortable. It is where I grew up playing the game since age 5. I always have liked being the guy getting the play set up, putting guys in the right position, and assisting to teammates.”

Reaves learned a lot from former OU coach Lon Kruger, who just retired.

“Coach Krug was incredible to play for,” Reaves said. “The way he allows his players to play their game is remarkable and is something that is hard to find at any level of basketball. He deserves a lot of credit for not only this season, but all in his fantastic coaching career.”

Reaves, a senior, got an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA like all seniors due to the coronavirus pandemic.