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Ohio State basketball sophomore guard John Mobley Jr. made a significant announcement Tuesday afternoon, declaring he will enter the 2026 NBA Draft this summer. While the news caught some off guard, it carries a certain logic given that Mobley finished the season as the Buckeyes’ second leading scorer behind Bruce Thornton.
Mobley is entering the process while preserving his college eligibility, which means if he goes undrafted or does not land an NBA deal, he can return to the college game. He was also direct about one thing: this decision is not a stepping stone to the transfer portal. It is the NBA or Ohio State, nothing in between.
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The Reynoldsburg, Ohio, native has built a steady and impressive foundation through two seasons in Columbus. As a freshman, he averaged 13 points on 38% shooting, then took a clear step forward as a sophomore, posting 15.7 points on 43.2% shooting. His three-point percentage, rebounds, and assists all trended upward in 2025-26, and though he stands just 6’1″ and 175 pounds, Mobley has consistently shown the ability to attack the basket and score against legitimate defenses.
Some Buckeye fans may feel a sting of disappointment, but this is ultimately a savvy move. Mobley gets direct feedback from NBA scouts, learns exactly where his game needs to grow, and comes out of the process better either way. Land a deal, and he’s playing professionally. Don’t, and he’s back in Columbus with a clearer picture of what it takes to play at the next level.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State basketball star, John Mobley Jr. declares for NBA draft
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ohio-state-buckeyes-sophomore-john-184939976.html
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Publish date : 2026-03-31 18:49:00
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