Jun 16, 2008 5:21 pm US/Pacific
Mbah a Moute Won't Return To UCLA
(AP)
UCLA's Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will remain in the NBA draft, hire an agent and forgo his senior season with the Bruins, coach Ben Howland said Monday.
The 6-foot-8 forward from Cameroon became the first player to start in three consecutive Final Fours since 1999-01. He averaged 10.3 rebounds in the NCAA tournament, and had 12 points and 13 rebounds in UCLA's national semifinal loss to Memphis.
''After speaking to my family and going through the process, I feel like the time is right for me to take the next step in my basketball career and keep my name in the NBA draft,'' Mbah a Moute said in a statement.
He helped the Bruins to a 35-4 record en route to their third consecutive Pac-10 title and third straight trip to the Final Four.
''I'm sure he'll continue to provide that great attitude and work ethic at the next level in the NBA,'' coach Ben Howland said. ''I will always be grateful and appreciative of Luc. He's an outstanding player and an even better person.''
Two of Mbah a Moute's teammates entered next week's draft: freshman Kevin Love and sophomore Russell Westbrook. Josh Shipp decided to return for his senior year, along with starters Darren Collison and Alfred Aboya.
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