Dayton Flyers guard Jalen Crutcher declares for NBA Draft

Dayton Flyers junior guard Jalen Crutcher announced Thursday he will enter his name in the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

Crutcher, who has one season of eligibility remaining, is following in the footsteps of teammate Obi Toppin, who explored the draft process last season but elected to return to school. Toppin declared for the draft again on Wednesday and is expected to be a lottery pick in June.

“First of all, I would like to thank God for all that he has done and everything he is about to do,” Crutcher wrote on Instagram. “I would like to thank the University of Dayton, my teammates, coach (Anthony) Grant and the coaching staff. Lastly, I can’t leave out the best fans in the world. Flyer Nation, I love you all! After discussing my future with my parents and coaches, I have decided to enter my name in the 2020 NBA draft. Throughout this process, I will keep my eligibility. Thank you all for your continued support. Go Flyers!”

PHOTOS: Crutcher through the years

Crutcher, who’s from Ridgeway High School in Memphis, Tenn., averaged 15.1 points and 4.9 assists last season. He’s a three-year starter who has scored 1,170 points in three seasons. He and Toppin made the Atlantic 10 Conference first team this season. It was the first time Dayton had two players make the first team in the same season.