Thu Apr 17 17:18:16 2008

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Kansas' Rush, Arthur declare for NBA Draft

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Lawrence, KS (Sports Network) - Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur, two key components of Kansas' National Championship team, both declared their intentions to enter the 2008 NBA Draft Thursday.

Rush, a 6-foot-6 junior guard from Kansas City, Mo., announced he will sign with an agent, making his decision irreversible. Arthur, however, will not yet hire an agent, meaning the 6-foot-9 sophomore forward may return to school provided he withdraws his name from the draft by the NBA's June 16 deadline.

Just a week and a half ago, Rush and Arthur helped lead the Jayhawks to their first NCAA Tournament title since 1988, completing a 37-3 season with a 75-68 overtime victory over Memphis in San Antonio. Rush had 12 points and six rebounds in the championship game, while Arthur was in force in the paint, scoring 20 points and grabbing a team-high 10 boards.

For the season, Rush averaged a team-best 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting 42 percent from three-point range. A product of Mount Zion (NC) Christian Academy, Rush declared early for the draft following his sophomore season, but pulled out after a knee injury left his draft status in question.

Per NCAA rules, after declaring for the draft for a second time, Rush has no further collegiate eligibility.

Arthur posted averages of 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game during a stellar sophomore season that saw his stock skyrocket. The Dallas native was a McDonald's All-American during his senior season at South Oak Cliff High School, and is, like Rush, projected as a first-round pick.