Marcus Smart took on critics who have questioned why he didn’t declare for the NBA draft.

Smart was projected as a top-five pick.

“First thing this morning I hear Skip Bayless say I had to go,” Smart said during a news conference announcing his draft intentions. “In my mind I'm like, ‘No disrespect, but why?' He says it's because the draft class is weaker this year than next year. Well, that's telling me, from a competitor standpoint, you have no respect for my game and my ability to compete with those guys.

“You tell a competitor that, it just fuels his energy to go out there and prove him wrong. It got me fired up. I wanted to go out there and start working out right then. And it definitely fueled my energy to come back here and start preparing for next year and getting better.”

The 2014 draft class is expected to be rich with talent, led by Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker.

Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart will return to school for his sophomore season, according to a source.

Smart was projected to be a lottery pick.

He will officially announce his decision Wednesday in a news conference at the school.

Marcus Smart is still pondering whether to enter the NBA draft or return for his sophomore season at Oklahoma State.

Smart took to Twitter to refute rumors that a decision has been reached.

Smart and his family were scheduled to meet with Cowboys coach Travis Ford at some time on Friday, likely discussing the pros and cons of both sides.