NBA Draft 2011: Washington G Isaiah Thomas Declares for the NBA Draft

Washington Huskies' junior guard Isaiah Thomas has declared himself eligible for the 2011 NBA Draft. 

“Although it was a tough decision, I have decided to forgo my senior season and enter my name into this year’s NBA draft," said Thomas.

"At this time, I will not hire an agent."

While Huskies' fans might see hope in that "no agent" statement, Thomas later declared in a press conference that no matter what happens, he won't be coming back to the UW. 

"Yes, it is good bye...I'll do whatever it takes to get there."

So there it is. Just like that, the junior guard—who had a chance to take Washington to new heights and set career Huskies records next year—is gone.

While Dawg fans speculated that "IT" might test NBA waters, no one expected the disruption to be this abrupt.

Though this is certainly sad news in Seattle, the future of the Huskies' guards is still bright.

Returning next year will be senior swingman Scott Suggs, junior point guard Abdul Gaddy and sophomores Terrence Ross and C.J Wilcox—all of whom made significant contributions for the Huskies last year.

Also joining the team is five-star recruit point guard Tony Wroten Jr.

If anything, Thomas' departure will certainly open up some room in what would have been a log-jam at the guard position.

More silver lining for Husky Nation: This will free up another scholarship for the Huskies to possibly go after another big man. Or they could bring in Andrew Andrews, who was planning on going to prep school if there was no available spot.

While the departure of the two-time Pac-10 Tournament MVP will certainly hurt, it also allows coach Lorenzo Romar and company to have a little bit more flexibility.