Maryland freshman big man Diamond Stone is gone to the NBA, while Terps sophomore point guard Melo Trimble will declare for the NBA but will not hire an agent.
The 6-foot-11 Stone averaged 12.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game this past season. According to several NBA executives, he is expected to be a first-round pick in the June 23 NBA draft.
"My family and I spent a great deal of time discussing my future and we felt this was the best decision as I pursue my dream of playing professional basketball,'' Stone said in a statement.
The 6-foot-3 Trimble averaged 14.8 points per game, 4.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds this past season. He struggled in the second half of the campaign, though, and shot only 41 percent from the field and 32 percent from beyond the arc.
"I am looking forward to taking advantage of this opportunity and entering my name in the NBA draft," Trimble said. "I am excited that the new rules allow me the chance to go through this process."
NBA executives have told ESPN that Trimble is expected to go in the second round -- if he chooses to remain in the draft.
"Melo will go through the draft process, which will provide him a stronger understanding of where he could potentially be selected," Maryland coach Mark Turgeon said in a statement. "Melo has worked very hard and we will continue to support and guide him throughout this process."
Maryland will also lose seniors Jake Layman and Rasheed Sulaimon. Junior forward Robert Carter announced he will sign with an agent.
Maryland finished 27-9 last season, 12-6 in Big Ten play, and lost in the Sweet 16 to Kansas.
