Otto Porter Jr. (COL ’15), the 2013 Big East player of the year, declared yesterday that he will leave the Hilltop after his sophomore season to enter the NBA Draft. And before the Facebook statuses and tweets lamenting this long-predicted move commence, students should recognize two realities.

First, Porter’s decision to leave the Hilltop now is the right move for him — not in spite of his remarkable season but because of it. Porter will enter the draft this June an extremely desirable pick and will likely secure a multi-million dollar contract at age 20. Given the short career spans of professional athletes, Porter is well-advised to go pro now, prolonging the period of time that he will be able to make a living on his athletic talents and shortening the time before he signs his contract in which he could get injured. Additionally, the draft class of 2013 is widely considered a weak one, so leaving this season will maximize his draft status.

Though Porter is leaving as a 19-year-old sophomore, he indicated at yesterday’s press conference that he intends to complete his education. The plan is not without precedent: Boston Celtics forward and former Hoya Jeff Green (COL ’12), who entered the 2007 NBA Draft after winning Big East player of the year in his junior season, finished his degree last summer — although an NBA lockout and season-ending injury gave Green some time away from the court.

Second, Georgetown fans should take heart in the talents and merit of the team Porter leaves behind. With no graduating seniors and the return of leaders like Markel Starks (COL ’14), Greg Whittington (COL ’15) and D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera (MSB ’16), the team will surely be competitive in the new Big East. Furthermore, the Hoyas will welcome the new talents of promising freshman recruit Reggie Cameron and UCLA transfer Josh Smith.

Porter’s success has a boon for Georgetown basketball. While the Hoyas’ postseason performance has left something to be desired, Porter was a huge part of the team’s impressive regular-season success over the past two years. But it’s time for him to leave the Hilltop, and the Hoya faithful should not begrudge him the opportunity to realize his NBA dream.