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JALC outgoing sophomore Scrubb declares for NBA draft

John A. Logan College outgoing sophomore and Louisville commit Jay Scrubb has declared for the 2020 NBA Draft.

Scrubb, who was the top-ranked JUCO player in the 2020 college basketball recruiting class and just earned Region 24 Player Of The Year, has not hired an agent, but will take part in the NBA Draft's evaluation process during the offseason before deciding to join the Cardinals.

Scrubb's father, Jason confirmed the news to 247Sports' Evan Daniels.

"Jay's focus right now is trying to be a pro player and we want the NBA to take him seriously," Jason told Daniels. "Some execs aren't sure if he's going to go to school or try for the NBA? With the timeline, we don't know when we would hear from the NBA. He wants to be a pro athlete, but he does love Louisville."

Scrubb, who played high school basketball at Trinity High School in Louisville was the 2018 7th Region Player of the Year, averaged 21.9 points per game and shot 46.2 percent from 3-point range this past season for the Vols, while averaging 6.8 rebounds per game.

"I'm excited for Jay and this opportunity ahead of him," Smithpeters told The Register Wednesday morning. "It's good for him to test the waters and see where is at in that regard. I know this, Jay has worked extremely hard for this opportunity and I know he's very excited for the endeavors that are in front of him, but still keeping in mind, Louisville is his college destination."

Back in late September, Scrubb committed to Louisville. Prior to the college season starting, Srubb was projected as a possible late first round draft pick according to one NBA site.

Scrubb chose the Cards over Memphis, Cincinnati, Alabama and a slew of other Division 1 schools, like Xaiver, Kentucky, Oregon, Missouri, Texas Tech and Texas.

However, Scrubb could still choose the path that many predict he will make and go straight to the NBA, where Smithpeters noted nearly every NBA teams have been at Logan to get a up-close look at Scrubb, including the Pistons, Pacers and Bulls. One Instagram account @officialstockrisers commented, "the Utah Jazz 'loved' him in a workout."

If he makes that choice, he'll be the first player since Southeast Illinois College's Donta Smith in 2004 to make that leap. Ironically, Smith had been committed to Louisville before declaring for the draft.

Spyder Dann covers prep and college sports for the Southern Illinois Local Media News Group. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.