DuckSouth.com

Updated: April 17, 2006, 4:39 PM ET

LSU's Thomas going pro; 'Big Baby' staying in school
ESPN.com news services

LSU freshman Tyrus Thomas announced at a news conference Monday that he will enter the NBA draft and sign with an agent, but SEC player of the year Glen "Big Baby" Davis announced he will return for his junior season.

Thomas has been informed by NBA officials that he is projected as a Top-five pick in the upcoming draft, ESPN Radio's Doug Gottlieb reports.

Thomas, the Southeastern Conference freshman of the year, averaged 12.6 points and was dominant at the defensive end with his through-the-roof leaping ability.

After the Tigers' ouster from the Final Four against UCLA in the NCAA Tournament, Thomas sounded as if he intended to return for his sophomore season.

"Somebody had to lose, and I never thought it would be us," he said. "But there's an upside to this. We'll be in Atlanta next year [at the Final Four] -- and we'll win it."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Top 5 pick ----averaged only 12.6 pts per game in college? Hmmmmmmm. Something does not add up about that.

i've said it before and its called upside.. heres a guy thats long lean atheltetic.. can do a lot for a guy his size.. young and full of potential.. upside ,, his game is only going to get better..

at least the nba is thinking this

Oh well, good riddance. Another Brotha seeing the flashing dolla signs.

Oh well, good riddance. Another Brotha seeing the flashing dolla signs.

Mark my words in five years, Big Baby will be a promising star and potential all star and thomas playing in Europe or riding the pine for Golden State.

Oh well, good riddance. Another Brotha seeing the flashing dolla signs.

Mark my words in five years, Big Baby will be a promising star and potential all star and thomas playing in Europe or riding the pine for Golden State.


Or minnesota

Oh well, good riddance. Another Brotha seeing the flashing dolla signs.

Mark my words in five years, Big Baby will be a promising star and potential all star and thomas playing in Europe or riding the pine for Golden State.

Or Charlotte

"Mark my words "

Done --all 3 times.

Dang post padder !!!

I think he is just riding the high (and image) of making it to the Final Four. So long Thomas, enjoy the $$ while you still can. Hope you took some accounting classes at LSU.
I guess Big Baby has grown on me, I hope he does well at the next level. . . whenever he decides to go.

i really don't see him as a top 5 pick, top 5 picks are not people with upside they are people that can contribute now, i understand that he is trying take advantage of the momentum he has going but i just don't think he is making the right decision, but all he sees is money

If he is a top five pick it is stupid for him not to leave. Why would he not leave when the NBA has gauranteed money. ACL next year and he is gauranteed the money. ACL at LSU and he might be a second rounder in a couple more years

im pretty sure i can see him right around a top five pick, i can see him for a top ten for sure.........to me, big baby is not goin to be a dominating player in the nba, to me he will end up just like the tractor trailor from michigan bout five of six years ago, good college player but has bounced around every since...........just my two cents though

Thomas is GOOD. I have not heard of even one sports analyst recommend that he stay. More than one have said that he is a #1 pick and one even said that he is the most athletic college player he had ever seen, including V. Carter. This kid will be good and is doing the right thing by leaving! You naysayers have to remember how diluted the draft pool is this year anyway.

If you are a projected top 5 pick in any sport you should leave.

End of discussion.