JaJuan Johnson to Declare for NBA Draft

Purdue's Junior Center JaJuan Johnson is expected to announce that he is entering the NBA draft by the end of the week, reports Sporting News .  Johnson, the 6'10" center, was expected to be one of the top big men in the country in 2010-1011.  

Robbie Hummel's ACL tear created an opportunity for Johnson to step up and show what he can do.  Johnson, not known for his physical play, has a great mid-ranged jumper, the ability to post-up, and had a great junior season.

Johnson averaged 15.5 points a game and seven rebounds.  

Without Johnson, the Boilermakers suffer a big loss.  The only big man with playing experience left would be Patrick Bade (sorry if this made you cringe).  Johnson was starting to developed himself into a great player, and was creating a well developed game that mixed just enough physicality with an excellent ability to hit the jumper.  

Considering his lack of experience, I think this is a bad move for Johnson.  Johnson, who is looking to be a second-round pick as of now in the 2010 draft, would be better off finishing his senior season, and increasing his draft stock.  If he could increase his physicality his senior year, he would easily be a top seven pick in the draft.

One piece of good news for Purdue fans is that Johnson does not plan to hire an agent. By not hiring an agent, Johnson will be allowed to withdraw from the draft and come back to college if he decides that is the best route.

I think that Johnson will come back for his senior year, but is using this as an opportunity to be evaluated by NBA scouts.  Based on what these scouts tell him, he will make his decision to skip his senior year, or to compete for a national championship.

Johnson has until May 8 to declare if he is returning to college.  I guess for now we can all hope for that, but after that we must put our trust in coach Matt Painter and the rest of the Boilermakers.  God (Robbie Hummel) has his plan, and we must follow it! Boiler UP and don't give up on Johnson just yet!