Apr 15, 2008 - 1:11 AM
0 shoutsMANHATTAN, Kansas (Ticker) -- Michael Beasley has decided to take his game to the next level.
Following a stellar freshman season in which he was a finalist for the Wooden Award, Beasley announced Monday that he will enter the NBA draft.
Sitting along side Kansas State coach Frank Martin at Bramlage Coliseum, Beasley fought off a case of the giggles to declare that he would forgo his remaining three years of college eligibility.
"I think it is time for me to take my game to the next level," Beasley said.
Beasley's teammate, redshirt freshman Bill Walker, also announced on Monday he is planning to enter the draft, but he will not hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of a return to the school.
Widely considered to be among the top two picks in June's NBA draft, Beasley announced that he plans to sign with an agent shortly. The 19-year-old also stated that he will be represented by Joe Bell.
Projected as one of the nation's top freshmen at the start of the season along with O.J. Mayo and Kevin Love, Beasley did not disappoint, finishing first in the nation in rebounding (12.4 rpg) and third in scoring (26.2 ppg).
Named the Big 12 Player of the Year, Beasley set the NCAA record for most double-doubles (28) by a freshman and established school and conference all-time single-season marks for scoring average.
In all, the 6-10 forward ended up setting 30 school records in leading Kansas State to a 21-12 record and its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 12 years.
Beasley probably would have put his name in the 2007 draft if not for the NBA's minimum-age rule. However, the forward thought that being forced to go to college worked out quite well for him.
"I think the rule is great, it made me better," he said. "I got stronger, I matured. It helped me out a lot."
Despite setting all those records, Beasley does have some regrets as he departs Kansas State.
"I would have liked to have left with a championship, Big 12, NCAA," he said. "I would have liked if we won a lot more."
A major proponent for Beasley leaving school, Martin believes the Wildcats benefited greatly from the single season from Beasley and will continue to grow as a program.
