UCLA freshman Ike Anigbogu, who averaged 4.7 points and 4.0 rebounds this past season, will test the NBA waters by declaring for the NBA draft.
The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Anigbogu averaged 13 minutes per game this past season. In his final game, he was scoreless and grabbed two rebounds in 15 minutes in a loss to Kentucky. He has not yet hired an agent.
Multiple NBA executives told ESPN that Anigbogu's potential has him projected as a first-round pick in June's NBA draft, likely in the 20-30 range.
In a statement, UCLA coach Steve Alford certainly seemed as though he doesn't expect Anigbogu back in Westwood.
"Ike quickly made a huge impact within our program and will be a tremendous addition to any team at the next level," Alford said. "I know this wasn't an easy decision for him, and he certainly has my support in making the jump to the NBA. We're really going to miss him, his sense of humor and that seemingly shy smile that hides how fiery of a competitor he is. He's worked very hard both on the court and in the classroom while at UCLA and has made tremendous strides. Ike is a terrific young man with limitless potential at the professional level, and I cannot wait to watch him continue to grow as a player and a person in the years to come."
