Johnny O’Bryant III wasn’t ready to play in the NBA, and the LSU men’s basketball team wouldn’t have a chance at an NCAA Tournament run in 2014 without him.

Luckily, neither side will have to worry about that after O’Bryant shocked nearly everyone at a news conference Tuesday with 10 little words. 

“I’ve decided to return to LSU for my junior year,” O’Bryant said.

I couldn’t believe it. And it wasn’t because he’s a bona fide NBA prospect who was guaranteed to be taken in the NBA Draft in June — he without a doubt would have gone undrafted if he did indeed declare.

O’Bryant passing up his two remaining seasons of eligibility just seemed like a foregone conclusion.

When I showed up for the news conference, all signs pointed to O’Bryant ditching the purple and gold.

JOB III’s careers stats were available at the door, two tables were reserved for members of his family and I didn’t see the logic in calling a news conference for anything but declaring for the NBA Draft.

I was wrong. But O’Bryant made the right decision for himself, his coach and his teammates.

ESPN had JOB III ranked as the No. 37 power forward in the 2013 draft class. He wouldn’t even be taken in the first round of a power forward draft, let alone a draft with only 60 spots.

O’Bryant had a monster sophomore season. The Cleveland, Miss., native was a coaches’ first team All-Southeastern Conference selection, posted 15 double-doubles and was a big reason why LSU coach Johnny Jones’ first season at the helm resulted in a 19-12 record.

But O’Bryant isn’t ready to compete with the big boys just yet. Another year of college basketball under his belt will help him tremendously.

It’s hard to get recognition when your team doesn’t play in the postseason. Take Michigan freshman forward Mitch McGary, for example.

Before the NCAA Tournament started, McGary was a second-round pick at best. His five double-doubles in the Big Dance helped the Wolverines make it to the championship game and probably assured him a first round selection if he decides to leave after his freshman season.

The same kind of exposure can help O’Bryant shoot up draft boards if he helps the Tigers get an invite to the tournament for the first time since 2009.

And JOB III definitely has next March on his mind.

“I just want to take those guys to the dance one time before I leave,” O’Bryant said. 

Without O’Bryant next season, LSU would be a bubble team at best. Maybe the Tigers would have made it to the NCAA Tournament, but the trip wouldn’t have lasted long.

O’Bryant’s return gives LSU a chance to stay at the Big Dance for a couple more songs. The Tigers’ front court was a weakness this season, but it will be an asset during the 2013-14 season.

Next season has potential to be a special one for the Tigers. With O’Bryant’s return, LSU should contend for the SEC crown along with Kentucky, Alabama and Florida.

O’Bryant has a chance to improve his draft stock and help his team to the NCAA Tournament by returning for his junior season. 

Good move, Johnny.

Micah Bedard is a 22-year-old history senior from Houma.