Kansas' Embiid declares for NBA Draft

Apr 9, 2014 - 9:17 PM Lawrence, KS (SportsNetwork.com) - Seven-foot Kansas freshman Joel Embiid has declared for the NBA Draft.

Embiid made the announcement on Wednesday, saying he gave the decision a lot of thought.

Projected to be a top-three pick in June, Embiid missed Kansas' final two regular season games, the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament because of a stress fracture in his lower back.

Kansas said his progress in on schedule as he continues to rehab the injury.

Embiid, who is from Cameroon, broke the Jayhawks' freshman record with 72 blocked shots and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

He averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in 28 games while helping the Jayhawks to the Big 12 regular-season crown.