NBA Draft 2019: Virginia star Ty Jerome to forgo senior season

Ty Jerome is the latest college star to take his game to the next level.

The Virginia junior guard took to Instagram on Monday to announce he will hire an agent and enter the NBA Draft.

"After talking to my family, coaching staff and thinking about it a lot, I've decided to forgo my senior year of college and declare for the 2019 NBA draft," Jerome said in the video. "From Day 1, I always dreamed about playing at this level since I picked up a basketball, playing in the ACC, playing against Duke and [North] Carolina. This program was everything I could have possibly dreamed of."

While Jerome can still return to school next season under new rules for potential draftees, one source close to the program told ESPN "he's gone."

Jerome, 21, averaged 13.6 points, 5.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds last season.

He averaged 16.5 points per game and connected on 40% of his 3-point attempts during the NCAA Tournament as he helped lead the Cavaliers to their first national championship following a 85-77 overtime win against Texas Tech.

He is projected by many to be a first-round pick in June.