Georgia's Caldwell-Pope to enter NBA Draft

Apr 15, 2013 - 4:11 PM Athens, GA (Sports Network) - Georgia sophomore guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has decided to forego his final two seasons of college eligibility to enter the 2013 NBA Draft.

Caldwell-Pope led the Bulldogs and ranked second in the SEC in scoring, averaging 18.5 points in 32 games. He was named the SEC's top player by the coaches and media, the first Bulldog so honored since Dominique Wilkins in 1981.

"I want to thank the University of Georgia for all it has done for me," said Caldwell-Pope on Monday. "I want to thank my coaches, teammates and fans for the love and support."

Caldwell-Pope, at 6-foot-5, also averaged a team-best 7.1 rebounds and led the squad in free throws made (135) and 3-pointers made (84). He shot 79.9 percent from the stripe and connected on 37.3 percent from beyond the arc.

"It's been a pleasure to coach Kentavious and to see him grow as both a player and a person," said Georgia coach Mark Fox. "I wish him nothing but success as he pursues his dreams. He will always be a part of the Georgia family."

Caldwell-Pope, who plans to hire an agent, was a freshman All-SEC choice in 2011-12 when he averaged 13.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 32 games.