When Indiana defeated the San Diego State men’s basketball team 87-83 on March 16 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, it was more than just the end of the SDSU’s season.

It also marked the end of junior forward Marcus Slaughter’s career as an Aztec.

Both The North County Times and The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on March 30 that the unanimous first team All-Mountain West Conference selection will declare for the NBA Draft.

“There’s no reason to come back,” Slaughter told The North County Times. “I feel like I did everything I could in college. I won and if I were to come back it would not help me.”

At SDSU, Slaughter recorded 775 rebounds (third in school history) and 1,211 points (10th on the Aztecs’ career list).

This season, he averaged 16.5 points per game and added 11 rebounds in helping SDSU reach the NCAA Tournament.

“They say there’s a good chance of me being picked in the first round, which where I want to be picked,” Slaughter told The North County Times.

However, the question remains as to who “they” are.

Despite his strong play, he didn’t lead the Aztecs in scoring and was edged out by junior teammate Brandon Heath for MWC Player of the Year honors.

There is not a single draft projection that has Slaughter being taken in the first round, and most mock drafts don’t even list him.

NBA Draft expert Chad Ford from www.espn.com has Slaughter tabbed as the No. 96 prospect in the country, and NBAdraft.net said, “Bubble first-round, likely mid-second round. Must stay in school.”

Slaughter’s decision ensures that he will not return, and co-All-MWC selection Heath also declared for the NBA Draft last week. However, Heath has indicated he will not sign with an agent, which means he can still withdraw his name and remain eligible to play next season at SDSU.