National Basketball Association

Arizona freshman Johnson declares for NBA Draft

Published Apr. 23, 2015 7:22 p.m. ET

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TUCSON, Ariz. -- Saying it was the toughest decision of his life, Arizona freshman Stanley Johnson said he is ready for what's ahead, declaring for the NBA Draft on Thursday afternoon.

He made the announcement at a press conference with coach Sean Miller at McKale Center.

Johnson said he did not completely make up his mind until about two days ago.

"I put a hell of a lot of thought into it," said Johnson, adding that he had not hired an agent yet.

Johnson becomes only the fourth Arizona player to be one-and-done, but the third in the past three years. The others are Jerryd Bayless (2008), Grant Jerrett (2013) and Aaron Gordon (2014).

Arizona coach Sean Miller called it a "bittersweet moment for me and the program."

"You get this relationship built up in recruiting, and they go to battle for you and it's not easy to say goodbye to them," Miller said.

The coach added Johnson craved hard coaching, saying "I was at a relentless level with him." The result was that Miller has "never seen a young person grow more than I've seen this guy grow since September to right now. ... He's in a much better place to be successful when he leaves here."

Johnson is widely projected to be a lottery pick, including a No. 9 forecast from DraftExpress.com. He was asked if he would have left school if he had not been projected to be a lottery pick.

"Honestly, I don't know," he said. "I'm not in that position right now. I can't think of that frame of mind. I think it's hard enough being a lottery pick and trying to leave. I never really thought about that."

Earlier this month, Arizona sophomore wing Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and junior power forward Brandon Ashley declared for the draft. Heading into the press conference, there was still no official word on junior center Kaleb Tarczewski's decision, although it is thought he will return. Miller said he expects a decision by Friday.

When asked if decisions from other underclassmen -- such as seven from Kentucky -- influenced his decision, Johnson said he was living by the motto: "My life, my way."

"It doesn't really matter what other people decide," Johnson said.

Johnson leaves as one of the most decorated freshmen in UA history after being chosen Pac-12 Freshman of the year and third-team All-American. He led UA in scoring with 13.8 points per game, also averaging 6.5 rebounds. He shot 44.6 percent from the floor, including 37 percent from beyond the 3-point line.

Johnson also won the inaugural Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award in college basketball.

Before the season started, it was long thought -- although Johnson never acknowledged it -- that he'd be a one-and-done player after arriving as a five-star recruit who led Mater Dei in Santa Ana, Calif., to four state titles. At 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, Johnson has a physically mature body and a strong skill set for the NBA. His wingspan is 6-11.

"That (was) everybody else saying stuff," Johnson said, referring to talk of him leaving after one year. "I can't control what people tweet, write in the mock drafts. They put me in the first round and expect me to leave right away. That's up to them. To me it's about when you are ready to go. I kept an open mind."

On Arizona's preseason media day, former UA All-American Damon Stoudamire, now an Arizona assistant coach, said he thought Johnson would become an all-time great at UA.

"I'd say that Stanley Johnson is going to be one of those guys, where once people see him, will say, 'He's one of the best players talent-wise to walk through here,'" said Stoudamire, arguably one of the top five players to play at Arizona. "Let's remember, that doesn't have anything to do with productivity, but I think he will be. But talent? I'd put him up there to be one of the top two or three talents to come to Arizona all-time."

Johnson had more ups than downs as a freshman, but it was clear he had growing pains in a few games. He often tried to do too much, resulting in high turnover totals, and had occasional poor shooting games.

But NBA types like his potential and ability to get to the basket. And he won't even turn 19 until next month.

"My dad would tell you at 22 you are still a kid," Johnson said. "At 18 and going into the wolves out there ... only experience will help you. High school did, but didn't, prepare me for college. And college can prepare you, but not exactly, for the NBA. Experience will be the biggest thing for me.

"I'm willing to learn."

Follow Steve Rivera on Twitter

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