UCLA's Mbah a Moute to remain in NBA Draft

Posted: Mon Jun 16 7:55 PM

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - UCLA forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has decided to remain in the NBA draft and will forgo his senior season, Bruins head basketball coach Ben Howland announced Monday.

Mbah a Moute had declared for the draft in April, but did not hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of returning to school.

"Luc had a great career at UCLA, and I'm really proud of everything he helped our team accomplish during his tenure as a player at UCLA," Howland said. "He was the freshman of the year in the conference, won three Pac-10 titles and started in three Final Fours, but, more than anything, he is a winner."

In 2007-08, Mbah a Moute averaged 8.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in and was named an honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection. He also became the first Bruin since Jamaal Wilkes, Bill Walton and Greg Lee (1972-74) to start in three straight Final Four games.

"After speaking to my family and going through the process, I feel like the time is right for me to take the next step in my basketball career and keep my name in the NBA Draft," Mbah a Moute said. "I had the greatest time of my life at UCLA. Starting in three straight Final Fours and winning three straight Pac-10 titles is something I'll never forget. I will be a Bruin forever."