By JACOB POLACHECK
Michigan State junior center Xavier Tillman announced he’ll test the 2020 NBA draft waters on Tuesday, declaring for the draft while retaining his college eligibility.
By not signing with an agent, Tillman is allowed to go through a portion of the pre-draft process, gather feedback and choose whether he wants to remain in the draft pool or go back to Michigan State for his senior year.
“To Spartan Nation: I thank you for your love and support and for welcoming me and my family,” Tillman said in a statement released via Twitter. “Your energy and the atmosphere that you created was a huge reason that I came to MSU.”
“To my coaches: I thank you for guiding and shaping me over the past 3 years. You pushed me to work hard and to become a stronger leader. Your support inspired me to not only transform my body but also become a better student and a man of integrity.
“To my brothers: You truly mean everything to me. What I will remember most are the laughs in the locker room, joking in the hotels and the battles we have had on the court have created an unbreakable bond. I appreciate you for embracing me and my family.
“With the support of my family and coaches I have decided to test the waters and will enter my name in the 2020 NBA Draft. It is important for me to gather as much information as possible before making this decision. Throughout the process I will be keeping my college eligibility.
“Thank you forever”
Tillman averaged 14.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game as a junior last season for the Spartans. He went on to earn second-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Tillman is currently ranked as the No. 48 overall prospect in the 2020 Draft on ESPN’s Big Board.
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