Tyrell Terry keeping his name in the NBA draft

After a sensational freshman season Tyrell Terry has made his departure from Stanford to pursue his NBA dream official. He wrote a letter that was posted on GoStanford.com and current players and the coaches were quick to tweet out their support.

“Ty’s impact on our program and this school over the course of one season was remarkable, having one of the best freshman seasons in program history. Our program is now on a different level, and a large part of that is due to Ty,” said head coach Jerod Haase in a press release.

Terry recorded the second-highest scoring average in Stanford history for a freshman, while taking third all-time among freshmen in total points. He stands fourth in Stanford freshman history in made 3-pointers (62), while making 40.8 percent of his attempts, and assists (99).

He was the first Stanford freshman to earn both All-Pac-12 and All-Freshman recognition since Brook Lopez did the same in 2007. He ended with averages of 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, while posting the top free throw percentage (.891) in the Pac-12, and the fifth-highest in a single season at Stanford.

“His incredible growth throughout the year, on and off the court, provided him with an opportunity that he simply didn’t want to pass up,” continued Haase. “We are excited that he will represent us in the NBA and are even more proud that he plans on coming back to school to get his degree. We will miss Ty, but we will never stop rooting for Ty. This is a great day for Stanford basketball.”

Terry was the key piece to fit into the puzzle of Stanford's roster to make it one of the toughest opponents for Pac-12 teams. The Cardinal were on the bubble of NCAA contention because of an elite defense and just enough offense led by Terry, Oscar da Silva, Daejon Davis and Spencer Jones. If not for several heart-breaking second half breakdowns the Cardinal would have been a lock and Terry was a major reason why they were that close.

Stanford is set to have a very talented team next season with the return of almost every major contributor and the arrival of Ziaire Williams leading a top-15 class. The last addition to that class was an important find when it seemed likely Terry was staying in the draft.

In the past year Michael O'Connell rose from relative recruiting anonymity to be a four star caliber point guard. He will need to take on more responsibility his freshman season than he could have imagined at this time last year.

Terry's letter reads:

"Stanford was always one of my dream schools growing up. This was one of the reasons I committed to Coach Haase and Stanford as soon as I could, and I experienced tremendous growth as a young man and a young player because of that decision. After one incredible year at Stanford, I have decided to chase my dream of playing in the NBA by keeping my name in the draft this year.

"I cannot thank Coach Haase and the rest of the coaching staff enough for trusting and believing in me from the start. For their selflessness and encouragement. For their help in transforming me from who I was when I first stepped on campus, to who I am now.

"To my teammates, you guys are some of the best friends I have ever had in my life. To be able to share triumphs and hardships within the brotherhood we developed is something I will always cherish.

"I knew Stanford was a special place, but I truly didn't know the extent of it until I experienced it. The support I was offered is world class – from my professors, to my classmates and the 6th Man - I am proud to have worn the name on my jersey this season. Graduating remains in my future, I am committed to earning my degree.

"I am ready to take this next step in my life and playing career, but it couldn’t have been done without the support of my family, friends, and Cardinal Nation. I have been blessed with this opportunity because of your support. For that, I am extremely grateful.

"Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal. Thank you!"