Xavier's Edmond Sumner entering NBA Draft, despite second round grade

March 28 (UPI) -- Despite suffering a season-ending ACL tear in January, Xavier guard Edmond Sumner is entering the 2017 NBA Draft.

The redshirt sophomore announced the news Tuesday on Twitter.

"First, let me start by saying these three years at Xavier have been the best of my life," Sumner wrote. "I have certainly been presented with some ups and downs but they have only served to make me a stronger person. This decision was very hard for me because of the love I have for X."

"After weighing my options with my family, I have decided to enter the 2017 NBA Draft, fulfilling a lifelong dream."

"I want to thank Coach Mack and the rest of the staff for believing in me and giving me a chance when no one did! I'll always be grateful for that."

"Xavier Nation I will always love you!"

Before suffering his injury, Sumner was projected as a first round pick by some analysts. He averaged 14.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game in 22 games this season.

"I want to thank Edmond for his efforts over the past three years," Xavier coach Chris Mack said in a release, via WCPO. "He will forever be a part of the Xavier family. We wish him all the success in the world throughout his rehabilitation and comeback as he prepares for a pro career."

Sumner plans to hire an agent and will not pull his name out of the draft by the May 24 deadline. He had surgery on March 1 and is expected to have a lengthy rehab. Sumner is also expected to have surgery for a torn labrum.

Although he was slated as a first round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Sumner was either dropped off of 2017 NBA Draft projections or is projected as a second rounder.