Tristan Thompson is going pro

After Texas lost in disappointing fashion to Arizona and Derrick Williams' broken pinky in the second round of the NCAA Tournament back in March, Tristan Thompson told reporters that he would be returning to school.

He wasn't asked the question, either. He offered up the information unsolicited. That's why so many folks actually believed Thompson.

Today, however, it appears as if Thompson has changed his mind. From the Austin American-Statesmen:

Tristan Thompson ... will not return to Texas for his sophomore season and instead will make himself eligible for the NBA Draft, a source close to his family said.

The source said he spoke to Thompson this week.

An NBA scout familiar with Thompson’s situation also said the player would leave school.

This is probably a good decision by Thompson. With the number of high picks that have decided to return to school, Thompson has a real chance of being picked in the top ten. As well as he played down the stretch of the season, Thompson is a prospect with some flaws. He's got terrific athleticism, a frame that can hold more muscle, and the wingspan to make up for the fact that he is a shorter than ideal for an NBA power forward, but he's still a very raw prospect. His skill set -- back-to-the-basket game, face-up jumper, etc. -- has not yet caught up with his physical tools.

Seeing as he is also already 20 years old, its likely that Thompson won't have to opportunity to go this high in the draft again.

It also appears likely that Jordan Hamilton will be entering the draft. He has yet to make an official announcement, but there have been reports that he is in Las Vegas working out already.

If Hamilton does return, Texas may be the favorite in what appears to be a weakened Big XII. The Longhorns will have a terrific back court, as freshman Myck Kabongo joins Cory Joseph and J'Covan Brown. The front court, however, will be a bigger problem. The lone returnee is Alexis Wangmene, who averaged just 9.6 mpg this past season. Jonathon Holmes and Kevin Thomas will have to make an immediate impact for Rick Barnes.

If both players are gone, Baylor appears to be the most talented team in the conference, although they failed to live up to that their talent level this year. Kansas loses a lot -- the Morrii, Josh Selby, Tyrel Reed, Brady Morningstar -- but Bill Self has stockpiled top 50 recruits and does bring back Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson. Texas A&M and Missouri will also factor into the race.