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SEMO freshman reserve Tony Anderson to declare for NBA draft

Southeast Missouri State freshman Tony Anderson has decided to declare for the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-9 Anderson started three games and averaged 5.0 points and 2.1 rebounds for a team that was 5-24 this past season.

"This was the plan before I got to college," Anderson told ESPN. "I don't plan on playing college basketball again. I know it's a rare situation, but my goal is to play in the NBA."

Anderson -- who has a 3.6 GPA -- is able to take advantage of a new rule that allows underclassmen to test the NBA draft waters and return to school.

However, he told ESPN that he has withdrawn from classes and plans to sign with an agent.

College players who want to retain their eligibility must withdraw from the NBA draft no later than 10 days following the conclusion of the NBA combine. For 2016, the deadline to withdraw is May 25. Players are also allowed to attend and receive expenses with one NBA workout per NBA team.

"I'm taking the process slow of getting an agent," Anderson added. "I'm letting God lead me in that."

Anderson, who was also a reserve at Oak Hill Academy (Virginia) in high school, initially committed to Toledo before landing at Southeast Missouri State. He said he has yet to speak to any agents.

"I'm trying to show people the true player I am," Anderson said. "They had me posting up at SEMO, and I'm really more of a three-man, a perimeter player. I don't think the college game fits my style. I'm more of a pro-style player."

When ESPN reached out to several NBA executives about Anderson, the response was the same:

"Who?" one texted.

"I have no clue who that is," another said.

"He needs to go back to school," a third said. "With those numbers -- on that team -- he doesn't have a chance."