Robert Carter Jr. Declares for 2016 NBA Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Maryland Terrapins junior forward Robert Carter Jr. will declare for the NBA draft, the Associated Press (via ESPN.com) reported Thursday.

Carter averaged 12.3 points per game in his lone year with Maryland after transferring from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets following the 2013-14 season.

The 6'9" forward released a statement, per CSN Mid-Atlantic's Daniel Martin:

"

I want to thank the University of Maryland community and all of the fans for their support during my two years at Maryland. I also want to thank Coach Turgeon, my teammates and the entire Maryland basketball program for everything they have done for me. The University of Maryland will always be a special place to both me and my family. I will forever be a Terp.

"

On a team that featured the likes of Melo Trimble, Rasheed Sulaimon and Diamond Stone, Carter provided a steady presence in Maryland's frontcourt, as he could score from beneath the basket and from mid-range. 

He also provided a solid defensive presence, tying for the team lead with 2.0 defensive win shares. His all-around game helped the Terps get to the Sweet 16, where they lost to Kansas.

Carter is athletic enough to cover combo guards as well as forwards in the post, which could make him an attractive option in the NBA. 

DraftExpress ranked him as the No. 10 junior and the 56th-best draft-eligible prospect.

The site also projected Carter will land in the second round—51st overall to the Denver Nuggets—in its 2016 mock draft. With his ability to stretch the floor and play defense, he should get plenty of looks from NBA teams in the months leading up to the draft.

Stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.