Sports

Virginia Junior Ty Jerome Enters The NBA Draft

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

David Hookstead Sports And Entertainment Editor
Font Size:

Virginia basketball hero Ty Jerome is headed to the NBA.

Jerome wrote in part the following on Instagram Monday when explaining his decision:

I have had a ball in my hand basically since the day I was born. My dream has always been to play in the NBA. Therefore, after speaking with my family and coaches and giving it a lot of thought, I know it’s the right time to announce that I will be entering the NBA draft and signing with an agent. I will forever be a wahoo UVA, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

You can watch his full announcement below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The last three years at Virginia have been everything I could have dreamed of in a college experience. When Coach Bennett recruited me he said he would never stop challenging me to improve, on and off the court – and he meant it. He did that every single day, and he made me a better basketball player and better man. I am eternally grateful to him and the entire coaching staff, and fans. I also want to give a special thank you to our strength coach, coach Curtis and our athletic trainer, Ethan Saliba; the best in the business! I came to Virginia to win a national championship and to be able to do that with my brothers is a dream come true. And to the best fans in college basketball – we would not have done it without you. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank my mom, dad, brother and entire family. The time, effort and love they have given me is truly a gift, and I would not have had this opportunity without them. I have had a ball in my hand basically since the day I was born. My dream has always been to play in the NBA. Therefore, after speaking with my family and coaches and giving it a lot of thought, I know it’s the right time to announce that I will be entering the NBA draft and signing with an agent. I will forever be a wahoo UVA, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

A post shared by Ty Jerome (@tyjerome_) on

Jerome will forever be a basketball hero for the Cavaliers, and now it’s time for him to go make some money. I don’t blame him at all for jumping into the draft waters. (RELATED: Virginia Wins The National Title After Beating Texas Tech)

He scored double digits in every single game of March Madness and dropped more than 20 in the Elite 8 and Final Four.

There wouldn’t have been a championship without Jerome suiting up for Tony Bennett’s squad. That’s just a fact and it’s not up for debate.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ty Jerome (@tyjerome_) on

Will Jerome be good in the NBA? Not a clue, but I know he was dominant in college. That doesn’t always translate, but I wouldn’t ever bet against him.

That entire Virginia squad is made up of tough grinders who just get the job done. At the very least, the talented guard is going to get his shot. Sometimes, that’s all you can really ask for.

Best of luck to him as he chases down his dream of being a pro. I can’t wait to see what he makes of it.