Tiny Gallon done in Norman

Coming into the season, the Oklahoma men’s basketball program boasted three McDonald’s All-Americans.

Now, the Sooners boast none.

Freshman forward Tiny Gallon announced Tuesday night he has declared for the NBA Draft, joining fellow former McDonald’s All-Americans Willie Warren and Tommy Mason-Griffin.

The Sooners now have only four scholarship players returning from this past season.

“I had a long conversation with my mom, and then with coach (Jeff) Capel,” Gallon said in a statement. “I decided that this is the best thing for me at this time.”

Even though he figures to be a long-shot to get drafted, Gallon’s departure shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Capel hinted during his press conference last week that Gallon was still strongly considering leaving early, even though during the Big 12 Tournament Gallon told reporters he was coming back.

Gallon is at the heart of an ongoing NCAA-OU joint investigation, stemming from a report he received a $3,000 wire transfer into his bank account from a financial adviser last August.

“I’m happy for Tiny and wish him nothing but success and luck,” Capel said in a statement. “This is something Tiny wants to do and, as I’ve said before, I’m not one to stand in the way of a career choice that one of my players thinks is in his best interest.”

Gallon’s decision to leave is yet another blow to a Sooner roster that’s been decimated in the off-season. In addition to Gallon, Warren and Mason-Griffin, center Orlando Allen and guard Ray Willis have left the team.