The Arkansas Razorbacks will be without forward Bobby Portis and guard Michael Qualls, as they have both announced they will declare for the NBA Draft.
Both players announced their decisions separately via the University of Arkansas athletic department's official website. Portis and Qualls helped lead the Razorbacks to a 27-9 season and the 20th spot on the AP's final Top 25 poll.
"Unbelievable experience for me at the University of Arkansas these past two years. The love I have for this program in unconditional but I've decided to forgo my junior year of college to take that next step and enter into the NBA Draft," Portis said in a statement posted to his Twitter account. "Special thanks to God, my family, the coaching staff, the athletic department, the education faculty, my teammates, [Arkansas athletic director] Jeff Long, and the fans. Without all of you none of this is possible."
The sophomore forward also addressed his decision at a press conference Tuesday.
"My time at the University of Arkansas has not only helped me grow as a basketball player, but also as a man and I'm very thankful for the guidance the coaching staff and everyone at the university has given me over my three years," Qualls said in a statement. "After sitting down with my family I felt the best decision for me is to continue my basketball career as a professional. I'm ready to provide for my family and my son.
"I can't say thank you enough to the Razorback fans. Coming in as a kid from Louisiana they embraced me from the start like I was one of their own and have always shown me an amazing amount of support. That means a lot to me and I'll forever be a Razorback."
A six-foot-11 power forward, Portis is widely viewed as a top-20 draft pick while Qualls may be more likely to be selected in the second round. In three years at Arkansas, he showed improvement every season and averaged 16 points and five rebounds per game as a junior.
