Virginia Men's Basketball

Virginia’s Ty Jerome declares for 2019 NBA Draft

Junior guard announces he plans to forego final season of eligibility

By Paul Wiley Apr 15, 2019, 11:09am EDT

NCAA Basketball: Final Four-National Championship-Virginia vs Texas Tech

As was widely expected, Virginia Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome has declared for the 2019 NBA Draft.

View this post on Instagram

The last three years at Virginia have been everything I could have dreamed of in a college experience. When Coach Bennett recruited me he said he would never stop challenging me to improve, on and off the court - and he meant it. He did that every single day, and he made me a better basketball player and better man. I am eternally grateful to him and the entire coaching staff, and fans. I also want to give a special thank you to our strength coach, coach Curtis and our athletic trainer, Ethan Saliba; the best in the business! I came to Virginia to win a national championship and to be able to do that with my brothers is a dream come true. And to the best fans in college basketball - we would not have done it without you. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank my mom, dad, brother and entire family. The time, effort and love they have given me is truly a gift, and I would not have had this opportunity without them. I have had a ball in my hand basically since the day I was born. My dream has always been to play in the NBA. Therefore, after speaking with my family and coaches and giving it a lot of thought, I know it’s the right time to announce that I will be entering the NBA draft and signing with an agent. I will forever be a wahoo UVA, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

A post shared by Ty Jerome (@tyjerome_) on Apr 15, 2019 at 7:58am PDT

Jerome will have until May 29 to return to UVA for his senior season, should he choose to do so—although this announcement video makes it sound like his mind is made up.

If Jerome’s career in Charlottesville is over, he will finish with 1,011 career points, an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.63, and 89 career wins.

And if this appearance on SI Now is any indication, Virginia fans should be bracing themselves for another departure announcement soon:

"I know it's the right time to announce this." — Ty Jerome joins SI Now to explain his decision to declare for the NBA draft pic.twitter.com/KWLJwCUZJ4
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 15, 2019

Virginia’s Ty Jerome declares for 2019 NBA Draft

Share this story

Share All sharing options for: Virginia’s Ty Jerome declares for 2019 NBA Draft

More From Streaking The Lawn

Share this story

All sharing options for: Virginia’s Ty Jerome declares for 2019 NBA Draft