Antonio Lawrence, San Jose State's best player last season as a freshman, has left school and will enter the NBA draft, Spartans Coach Phil Johnson said Friday.

Lawrence, a 6-foot-4 forward, is considered a marginal prospect. If he isn't drafted, he will attempt to play overseas or in the NBA developmental league. He is not expected to return to school.

The deadline for underclassmen to enter the draft is Monday.

``In my conversations with Antonio, I strongly advised against making himself available,'' said Johnson, a former Chicago Bulls assistant. ``I made it clear to Antonio and his mother that he is not ready for the NBA, but they've chosen to explore it.''