Following an outstanding debut season in Columbia, A.J. Lawson has decided to test the NBA waters.

The freshman from Toronto burst on the scene for the Gamecocks last season, appearing in 29 games for South Carolina and averaged over 13 points per game, 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists on the court. At 6-foot-6 and 172-pounds, Lawson has the body to play in the NBA but he is clearly leaving the door open to return to South Carolina for his sophomore season, based on the statement he released on Wednesday.

Lawson declared his intentions on Twitter with the following statement:

“Dear Gamecock Nation, thank you to the fans, coaches, staff and my teammates for a fantastic freshman year. I want to thank God for his blessings. The NBA has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I have decided to explore my possibilities. I will not be hiring an agent, but will be entering my name in the 2019 NBA Draft.”

Prospects have until May 29 to withdraw their names from the 2019 NBA Draft.