Auburn forward Jaylin Williams declares for NBA draft

Auburn forward Jaylin Williams announced he would enter his name into the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility in a Thursday Instagram post.

"Auburn family, thanks to you my basketball journey has been unforgettable," he wrote. "Without you all, I wouldn't be where I am today. An Auburn man.

"From traveling all over the world, to being the No. 1 team in the country, my time at Auburn has been unforgettable. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world."

A former 4-star recruit out of Nahunta, Ga., Williams chose the Tigers over offers from Georgia, Alabama, Cincinnati, Florida, Florida State, Louisville and Xavier, among others, according to 247Sports. Williams scored 11.2 points and grabbed 4.7 rebounds per game, good enough for third on the Tigers in both categories. 

Three Auburn players have chosen to test the waters in the NBA Draft, according to Al.com. Forward Johni Broome, who led the Tigers in points and rebounds per game during the 2022-23 season, declared for the NBA Draft while retaining his eligibility on Tuesday. Guard Wendell Green Jr., the team's steals and assists leader, declared on April 2.

"First off, I would like to thank God for putting me on this position, as I wouldn't be where I am today without Him," Broome wrote in a Tuesday Instagram post. "I would also like to thank my family, friends, teammates and coaches for all your support throughout my career so far."

Should the three move on from Auburn, the Tigers will have to take on the difficult task of finding a new core of players before the 2023-24 season.

Two new faces, four-star guard recruit Aden Holloway and FIU transfer guard Denver Jones, make up Auburn's 2023 recruiting class. The two newcomers, along with some returning faces in guards Tre Donaldson and K.D. Johnson, could have the opportunity to see an increased role on this Auburn squad should they not find options in the transfer portal.