B.J. Mullens to Enter NBA Draft

For the third straight year, Ohio State has lost a 7-footer to the NBA draft after only enjoying him for one season. Like Greg Oden and Kosta Koufos before him, B.J. Mullens is out the door after his freshman year. The 19-year-old from Canal Winchester, Ohio won the Big Ten sixth-man of the year in his freshman season, but didn't really flash NBA-ready skills consistently.

Mullens averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 boards a game, and he never appeared dominant. His best game against worthy competition was a 17-point, 8 rebound outing against Purdue. He only had double-digit rebounds once all season. This could cause some question as to whether or not he's ready.

"I am saddened to lose B.J.," [head coach Thad] Matta said. "On one hand, I feel another year in school would have allowed him to develop into the player I know he can be and an additional season would have been beneficial to him both personally and monetarily in the long run."

Of course, he's also 7-feet tall, and that's as NBA-ready as you can get -- a point Matta is willing to concede.

"I am empathetic to the reasons why he has chose to leave at such an early point of his career," Matta said. "I wish him nothing but the best and know he will always be a part of our basketball family at Ohio State."

Mullens will definitely be able to find a job in the NBA, but the jury's still out as to how coveted he'll be. He did score in double-figures for the overwhelming majority of his conference games, all the while shooting a staggering 64 percent from the floor. But was it enough to truly endear himself as a high draft pick?

As for Ohio State? The assembly line is still in full effect -- they'll bring in another 7-footer next season. Zisis Sarikopoulos is transferring in from Alabama-Birmingham. Assuming no one else leaves early, they should have a very solid basketball team. Mullens would be the only departure and David Lighty will be returning from injury -- not to mention what comes with another year of experience and leadership under Evan Turner's belt.