Confirming earlier reports, Texas Longhorns sophomore Jordan Hamilton has declared for the 2011 NBA Draft, per UT spokesman Scott McConnell (h/t Burnt Orange Nation).

Hamtilon now joins fellow Horns Tristan Thompson (article) and Cory Joseph (article).

Hamilton's departure should come as the least surprising of the three.  For most of the season, the 6'7 forward was playing like the best player in the Big 12.  This comes a season after the highly touted recruit had a sub-par rookie campaign. Hamilton's stock is probably as high as it will be, coming off an 18.6 points per game average, which ranked fourth in the conference, and 7.7 rebounds, which also ranked fourth in the conference.

Of the three, I feel that Hamilton has the best case for going pro.  I feel that Thompson needs another year to develop his inside game and that Joseph needs a few more years to truly establish himself as a premier point gaurd.

Players who do not sign with agents have until May 8 to return to school.