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Big East Freshman of the Year Justin Patton will not be returning to Creighton next season. The Vertical has reported the Bluejay center has declared for the NBA Draft and will hire an agent.
Sources: Creighton freshman Justin Patton to enter draft, sign with agent. @ShamsCharania report on @TheVertical. https://t.co/uGIE6OvJBu
— The Vertical (@TheVertical) April 5, 2017
Creighton athletics would later confirm the move via their Twitter:
Creighton's Justin Patton declares for NBA Draft, will sign with an agent.
— Creighton Basketball (@BluejayMBB) April 6, 2017
MORE: https://t.co/cmONUROXX5 pic.twitter.com/ufdlIh94yw
Patton averaged 12.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 34 games for the Bluejays. He also shot 69.4% from the field, fourth in the nation.
Patton is currently 17th in DraftExpress' 2017 mock draft to the Indiana Pacers. He would be Creighton's first first-round pick since Doug McDermott in 2014.