Fri Apr 18 18:12:40 2008

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UCLA's Mbah a Moute declares for NBA draft; will not hire an agent

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Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - UCLA forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute announced Friday that he would make himself eligible for the NBA draft, but the junior will not hire an agent in order to maintain his NCAA eligibility.

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 Keith Wilkes, Bill Walton and Greg Lee (1972-74) to start in three straight Final Four games.

"After speaking with my family and with coach (Ben) Howland, I feel that it is in my best interest to see what the NBA has to offer," Mbah a Moute said. "I'm not hiring an agent, so the opportunity still exists for me to return to UCLA.

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

Mbah a Moute's 775 career rebounds currently rank him No. 15 on the UCLA career charts.

"Luc is a great rebounder and is an outstanding defender," Howland said. "He's the most versatile defensive player I've ever coached. He has been an integral part of the success that our program has achieved over the last three seasons. I fully support him exploring his opportunities to play in the NBA."