Young basketballer A.J. Ogilvy could be the next Australian headed for the NBA after he decided to forgo his senior US college season at Vanderbilt University to enter the 2010 Draft.
Ogilvy has also taken the step of hiring an agent, the Wasserman Group, meaning he has now forgone his collegiate eligibility and cannot return to college.
"I talked with my family and coaches here, and I think (going pro) is what's best for me," Ogilvy said.
"I really enjoyed all my time at Vanderbilt. I really want to thank the coaches and fans for everything they've done for me. I'm just excited to try to get my game to the next level."
"This is what I wanted to do. Once I put my name in, I wanted to put all my effort and time into it."
The 211 cm center from Sydney is a three-time All-SEC performer and averaged 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in three years at Vanderbilt.
He is the college's all-time leader in free throws made (471) and blocks per game (1.51), and earlier this year became only the second player in their history to score 1,000 points and make 100 blocks in his career.
"He has had a very accomplished career, and will hopefully experience the same kind of success as a professional," Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings
"A.J. has been instrumental in our two NCAA Tournament berths in the last three years and has demonstrated a very good work ethic from the very first day he walked on campus."
"Hopefully his agent's projections of him being a late first-round draft pick are accurate and he will have a long and prosperous NBA career."
The NBA Draft is set for June 24 in New York City.
Two other Australians were also drafted to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) on Friday.
Alison Lacey of Canberra was chosen with the number 10 pick by the Seattle Storm, the team that Opals superstar Lauren Jackson plays for.
Victorian Brigitte Ardossia also went at number 21 to the Atlanta Dream.