Vanderbilt’s Simi Shittu enters 2019 NBA draft

(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)

Vanderbilt forward Simi Shittu is officially declaring for the 2019 NBA draft.

Shittu announced his decision via Twitter on Wednesday and intends to keep his name in the draft throughout the entire process.

Under new NCAA rules, he could still return to the Commodores should he go undrafted, even if he chooses to sign with an agent.

Shittu averaged 10.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season, but it wasn’t enough to help Vanderbilt overcome a disappointing 9-23 season that included going winless in SEC play.

The Commodores have since fired former head coach Bryce Drew, and there’s strong speculation that Memphis Grizzlies assistant Jerry Stackhouse will take over as the team’s new coach.

For more SEC basketball coverage, follow me on Twitter @theblakelovell.