Mbah a Moute declares for draft

Apr 18, 2008 - 10:29 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- UCLA junior forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute on Friday became the third Bruins' player this week to enter the NBA draft.

UCLA freshman center Kevin Love and sophomore guard Russell Westbrook announced their intentions to declare for the draft on Thursday.

A fourth UCLA player - junior guard Darren Collison - has yet to make up his mind regarding the draft.

Mbah a Moute averaged 8.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for the Bruins during his junior season and was named an honorable mention All-Pac-10 pick.

"He's the most versatile defensive player I've ever coached," UCLA coach Ben Howland said. "I finally support him exploring his opportunities to play in the NBA."

Mbah a Moute has not hired an agent, meaning he could still return to UCLA for his senior season.

"After speaking with my family and with coach Howland, I feel that it is in my best interest to see what the NBA has to offer," Mbah a Moute said.

This year, Mbah a Moute became the first UCLA player to start in three straight Final Four games since Keith Wilkes, Bill Walton and Greg Lee from 1972-1974.

"I have had a wonderful experience at UCLA," Mbah a Moute said. "I have had a chance to play in three Final Fours and that is very special to me and I'll never forget it."