NEW YORK, April 4 (UPI) -- Despite not knowing if he is eligible to be selected by an NBA franchise, five-star recruit Thon Maker announced his plans to enter the 2016 NBA Draft.
Maker, 19, currently attends Canada's Orangeville Prep. The 7-foot power forward announced the move Sunday in a short film by Bleacher Report.
"Sources said Maker is awaiting official word from the NBA regarding his eligibility but couldn't get an answer until he declared for the draft. Maker and his family expect an answer soon," ESPN's Jeff Borzello reported.
Maker was considering Notre Dame, Kansas, Arizona State, St. John's, and Indiana, before the announcement.
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"I've always been in motion," Maker said in the video. "Every move that I make is to get better. Opportunity has led me around the world...from South Sudan to Australia, where basketball stole me from my first love. A 13-year-old kid they call long body, I found my calling. Sacrifice was necessary."
According to NBA rules, players need to be at least 19 years old and one year removed from high school to be eligible.
"We believe that Thon has fulfilled the academic requirements to be eligible for the 2016 draft," Edward Smith, Maker's legal guardian, told Bleacher Report exclusively. "He will apply for the 2016 NBA draft and await approval from the NBA."
"Thon has been the hardest-working and the most astute kid I've coached in my 23 years of coaching," Smith said. "I'm happy to have placed him in the position to have this choice."
