UCLA's Anigbogu joins Ball and Leaf in leaving for NBA draft
LOS ANGELES (AP) Ike Anigbogu (EE-kay ah-nee-BOH-goo) is leaving UCLA for the NBA draft, joining fellow freshmen Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf in departing after one season.
Anigbogu announced Wednesday on his social media accounts that he is declaring for the draft but won't hire an agent.
The 6-foot-10 forward-center from Corona, California, averaged 4.7 points and 4.0 rebounds. He averaged 13 minutes while playing in 29 games without starting. He shot 56 percent from the floor and 53 from the free-throw line.
Anigbogu says it's been a dream of his to play in the NBA and he believes it's the right time to make the move.
Coach Steve Alford says Anigbogu has ''limitless potential'' in the pro ranks after making ''tremendous strides'' while at UCLA.
Ball is expected to be one of the top picks in the draft, while Leaf is projected as a lottery pick.
The Bruins also lost seniors Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton. Junior Thomas Welsh is the lone remaining starter and he has not announced his plans. Players must declare for the draft by April 23 and can remove their names until June 12.
Alford has a recruiting class ranked No. 2 in the country coming in the fall, one of the reasons he likely decided to stay after his name circulated for the Indiana job in his home state during the NCAA Tournament.
The newcomers include McDonald's All-Americans guard Jaylen Hands of San Diego and forward Kris Wilkes of Indianapolis. Hands played for Leaf's father Brad at El Cajon Foothills Christian High. Other signees are forward LiAngelo Ball, Lonzo's middle brother; forward Jalen Hill; and forward Cody Riley.
