Jarell Martin passing ncaa tourney

LSU sophomore Jarell Martin will reportedly declare for the 2015 NBA Draft.

(Keith Srakocic | Associated Press)

One domino has fallen for LSU. And it was not unexpected.

Two independent sources close to the Tigers' basketball program said Tuesday that sophomore Jarell Martin has decided to submit his name for the 2015 NBA Draft and forfeit the final two years of college eligibility.

One source said Martin has informed LSU coach Johnny Jones, who was unavailable for comment Tuesday night. The second source didn't know if Jones had been informed but confirmed that Martin has decided to leave.

Together with teammate Jordan Mickey, Martin was an All-SEC first-team pick by both the league coaches and media covering the league this season after he led the Tigers with 16.9 points a game and was second with 9.2 rebounds a contest.

Martin came on strong in the second half of conference play, leading the league with 19.2 points a contest over the last nine-regular season games and topping LSU with 8.4 boards a game.

A multi-skilled 6-foot-10 big man, Martin played facing the basket most of his freshman season with Johnny O'Bryant and Mickey on the interior. That was how things began this season as well until Jones made a lineup change and moved Martin inside.

Over the last 12 games, Martin recorded five double-doubles and twice snatched 16 rebounds in a game.

By adding a new level of aggression to his game and becoming more vocal, Martin emerged as a leader for a team that experienced plenty of ups but also some downs in a 22-11 season and returned to the NCAA Tournamment for the first time since 2009.

With scouts regularly at LSU games to watch the two big men, Martin made a lasting impression.

ESPN.com draft analyst Chad Ford pegs Martin as the No. 35 overall prospect and a late first-round pick, writing that Martin can play either forward spot and listed his positives as "good motor, plays with energy, strong finisher and has range on his jump shot."

Among the negatives about the Baton Rouge native and Madison Prep graduate, Ford wrote "a tweener right now; needs to polish offensive skills in paint and on perimeter.

Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com ranks Martin No. 27 on his draft board and projects him going to the Los Angeles Lakers late in the first round.

Underclassmen have until April 26 to declare for the 2015 draft.

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Randy Rosetta can be reached at rrosetta@nola.com or (225) 610.5507.