Mountaineers' Ebanks declares for NBA draft

Apr 12, 2010 - 5:17 PM MORGANTOWN, W.Va.(AP) -- West Virginia forward Devin Ebanks is skipping his final two years of eligibility to enter the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-9 sophomore made the announcement Monday, after speaking to his mother and the Mountaineers' coaching staff. West Virginia basketball spokesman Bryan Messerly said Ebanks has not hired an agent but plans to do so soon.

"We have decided that I should explore my options to pursue a dream that I have had since I was a little kid," Ebanks said. "I want to thank West Virginia University, my coaches, my teammates and all the great fans."

Ebanks was considered West Virginia's top defender and averaged 12 points and a team-leading 8.1 rebounds last season. The Mountaineers finished 31-7, advancing to the Final Four before losing to eventual national champion Duke in Indianapolis.

"I certainly enjoyed coaching Devin for two years," said West Virginia coach Bob Huggins. "He was extremely coachable and was a great teammate. We certainly wish him the best for a long and prosperous career."