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Louisville’s Jaylen Johnson to hire agent, pursue pro career

Louisville v Wake Forest

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - MARCH 01: Jaylen Johnson #10 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots against Doral Moore #4 and Austin Arians #34 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the game at the LJVM Coliseum Complex on March 1, 2017 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

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Louisville center Jaylen Johnson’s college career is over, as he will sign with an agent and remain in the NBA Draft.

“After a lengthy conversation with Coach P I have decided to hire an agent and forego my senior year,” said Johnson. “I will miss my teammates and coaches, but it is really important that I help out my mom and family. I’m going to work incredibly hard to give it my best shot. I’ll be rooting for the Ville next year.”

As a junior, the 6-foot-8 Johnson averaged 8.0 points and 5.8 rebounds. He likely would have started next season for a team that is ranked No. 1 in the latest NBC Sports preseason rankings.

Johnson plead guilty last week to possession of marijuana. At the time, Louisville SID Kenny Klein told a reporter from WDRB in Louisville that the program “just became aware of the matter”.

“Jaylen and I had a long conversation,” said UofL Coach Rick Pitino. “He feels strongly about trying to make the league and help his family, as they have always been there for him. Jaylen has been a valuable asset to our program and has given me his heart and soul for the last three years. We wish him great success and we will be following his progress closely.”