Head coach Thad Matta must feel that his recruiting starts at the local "Rent-A-Center," as for the third time in the past five years a highly touted recruit at the pivot position has left for the NBA after just one college season. Greg Oden was the first to bolt for the professional ranks, followed by Kosata Koufos last season. Now, Mullens plans on joining those two Buckeyes alumni by becoming a first-round draft pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Many scouts agree Mullens is the least prepared of this trio, as far as being ready for the grind it takes to play at the next level. Despite not starting in his only season at Ohio State, the freshman felt that the time was right to enter the pro ranks, signing with an agent and ending his collegiate eligibility.

Matta said it is difficult to see Mullens leave the program so soon. "I am saddened to lose B.J.," Matta stated. "On one hand, I feel another year in school would have allowed him to develop into the player I know he can be and an additional season would have been beneficial to him both personally and monetarily in the long run. On the other hand, I am empathetic to the reasons why he has chosen to leave at such an early point in his career. I wish him nothing but the best and know he will always be a part of our basketball family at Ohio State." More