Tennessee big man Grant Williams, the two-time SEC Player of the Year, is off to the 2019 NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a first-round pick.

This wasn’t an easy decision for Williams, who still could have returned to school for one more year.

Williams appeared on the “March Madness 365 with Andy Katz” on Monday and detailed how difficult the choice was (via RockyTopInsider.com):

“It was definitely one of the toughest decisions I think I’ve made my entire life, because I love the people there at Tennessee, I love the University,” Williams said. “I knew there was more that I wanted to accomplish and more I could’ve done. But I also knew it was time to take the next step and pursue my dream, move on to the next journey.

“Coach Barnes did a great job preparing me for this next step, the NBA, and I felt like it was just the time to make this step.”

The Vols will certainly miss Williams, but he is making what he feels is the best decision for him, so he leaves Knoxville with no hard feelings.

He isn’t projected to be a lottery pick, but he should have his new NBA home before Round 1 is over next month.