North Carolina forward J.P. Tokoto has announced he intends to play in the NBA next season and, as of now, will enter the NBA Draft.

Announcing his decision in an interview with Yahoo Sports, Tokoto said he will not hire an agent right away so he can withdraw from the June 25 draft if he wants. The deadline to do so is April 26, but he said he is fixated on playing in the NBA.

"Going in, I know I'm not a first-round pick," Tokoto told Yahoo Sports. "I know my jumper needs work, and I'm putting in that work now - and will keep doing it. My jumper is something that has me as a second-round pick right now, but I have a mindset of work to improve the form and range of my shot."

The six-foot-six forward is likely going to be drafted in the second round, but even if he slips past everyone, he would figure to be signed as undrafted free agent. Though some teams may not want to draft a so-called "project player," Tokoto has enough athleticism to get him onto someone's roster.

"I know that my athleticism, my ability to finish in the open floor and especially my defense, getting deflections, making it hard on offensive players, those are things that [teams] will see right away from me," he said. "I want to focus on my game, working with trainers and pro coaches over the summer and next year.

"I think that'll give me the best chance to grow than staying in school and being that player that fit into the mold of my first three years [at Carolina]."