by Jeff Goodman

Updated: April 25, 2008, 12:37 PM EST 16 comments

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The first time he was taken out of home-schooling was in the eighth grade. Griffin would rush through his work at such a frenetic pace just so he could bolt out of class and get a basketball in his hands.

"I like being with my teammates, but I don't necessarily like the classes part of it," the Oklahoma freshman said. "But it's something I've gotta do."

Even though he'd be a high pick, Blake Griffin says he's not ready for the NBA yet. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

Not necessarily.

Everyone and anyone is testing the waters this year. It's logical since a new rule was implemented allowing NBA teams to pay for the flights, the plush hotels and even the meals when underclassmen come in for workouts.

Next thing you know a guy like Texas' pint-sized shooting guard A.J. Abrams, who has about as much chance as me of going in the first round, is going to toss his name into the fray.

Oh yeah, I forgot. That happened already.

Griffin, 19, would be a sure-fire lottery pick on June 26. In fact, one NBA general manager told FOXSports.com that he could be selected as high as No. 3 in the upcoming draft — right behind Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose.

Griffin is an athletic 6-foot-10, 245-pound prototypical NBA power forward. He averaged 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds this past season, but did it while overcoming a pair of knee injuries. He suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament that was supposed to keep him off the court for a month, but he returned in just 11 days.

Griffin could have withdrawn from classes two weeks ago, skipped out on his finals and been working on his game — as is probably the case with many of those who will be one-and-done.

However, Oklahoma's freshman big man has opted to turn down the opportunity to head to the pros this season, putting off the chance to become a millionaire for another year.

He's doing it because he wants to actually make an impact when he gets to the NBA.

"I just felt I'd be a lot more prepared — physically and mentally," Griffin said.

The addition of talented freshman guard Willie Warren to a team Griffin feels is able to contend for the Big 12 championship factored into his decision. So, too, did the thought of playing another season alongside his older brother, Taylor.

But ultimately, Griffin didn't want to get to the next level and collect splinters.

"Physically, just his body, he probably is ready," said Griffin's mother, Gail. "But he feels like he needs one more year to really mature emotionally and mentally to get his game to where he feels it needs to be."

Griffin doesn't want to end up like Kris Humphries or Patrick O'Bryant — or the lengthy list of other guys who jumped to the NBA too early.

However, it wasn't an easy decision. In fact, there was a time when Griffin seriously considered declaring for the NBA Draft.

It was prior to the Big 12 tournament and Gail Griffin sensed that her son was stressed with the speculation.

"It was 50-50," he admitted. "I'd wake up one day and think I could do it and the next I'd wake up and think I'm not ready."

After speaking to his older brother, Blake made up his mind a couple of weeks ago. He let his parents know just prior to a news conference and he said no one in his family was all that surprised by his final decision.

"He just called me," Gail Griffin said. "That's what Blake does. He's just not one to talk and talk it through or hash it over."

She was informed that Blake was committing to Oklahoma a few years ago via text message.

It's not as if Griffin's family is loaded and couldn't use the money, either. Both parents are educators. His father, Tommy, is a high school football coach and teacher. His mother is currently an office assistant at a financial planning company.

"It's been a struggle," she said.

But Griffin is confident that the money will still be on the table a year from now — and he'll be able to earn his paycheck next year.

"I want to be able to take care of my family and get them whatever they need or want," Griffin said. "But I also realize that sometimes it's better to give up a quick gain for a lot more down the road."

Griffin will finish up the second semester next week and then go to California for the early part of the summer to work out. Then he'll head back to Norman for classes.

"It's certainly not that he loves being in school," Gail Griffin said. "But he knows he's just not ready yet."

Unfortunately, he's one of the few.