Duke’s Hood, Ohio State’s Ross Leaning Toward Entering NBA Draft

BUFFALO — Duke sophomore forward Rodney Hood and Ohio State junior forward LaQuinton Ross are both leaning towards entering the NBA Draft, sources told SNY.tv.

Ross could announce on Monday after meeting with Ohio State coach Thad Matta, one source said.

The 6-foot-8 Hood is projected to go at No. 16 by DraftExpress.com, while the site has the 6-8 Ross at No. 48.

Chad Ford of ESPN.com has Hood at No. 15 and Ross in the first round at No. 28.

Hood and freshman teammate Jabari Parker — a projected top-3 pick — were upset by Mercer on Friday, while Ross and Ohio State fell to Dayton here on Thursday.

Hood averaged 16.1 points and 3.9 rebounds this season at Duke after sitting out last season upon transferring from Mississippi State.

Ross averaged 15.2 points and 5.9 rebounds for the Buckeyes.

Photo: News-Observer

Written by Adam Zagoria

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Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle. A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.