Former Syracuse forward B.J. Johnson declares for the 2017 NBA Draft

Former Syracuse forward B.J. Johnson has declared for the 2017 NBA Draft, but will not sign with an agent, according to a press release by La Salle University.

“My goal is to play the game I love professionally,” Johnson said in the announcement. “This decision will give me the opportunity to test myself, better myself and receive important feedback in pursuit of this goal.”

Johnson transferred to La Salle following his sophomore season at Syracuse. In his last year with the Orange, he averaged a meager 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14.6 minutes of playing time. He shot just 30 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range.

After sitting out a year due to NCAA mandated transfer rules, Johnson produced his most successful season – by far – in his first year playing for La Salle, averaging 17.6 points on 45 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent from three-point range. He also averaged 6.3 rebounds and shot nearly 84 percent from the free-throw line.

The 6-foot-7 forward now weighs 200 pounds after weighing a slim 185 during his final season at Syracuse.

Despite Johnson’s increase in production and sporting a more muscular frame, he isn’t projected to be taken in any of the major mock drafts (ESPN, CBS Sports, Draft Express, etc...).

However, by not signing with an agent, Johnson has the option to potentially earn an invitation to the NBA Combine or conduct individual workouts for teams in order to gain feedback on his playing ability and, more importantly, his draft status. Johnson then has the option to return to college if he announces his intention to do so within 10 days of the conclusion NBA Combine on May 14.