Tue Apr 8 18:49:58 2008

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LSU freshman Randolph to enter NBA Draft

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Baton Rouge, LA (Sports Network) - Louisiana State freshman forward Anthony Randolph announced Tuesday that he will submit his name into the 2008 NBA Draft, though he has not yet hired an agent, leaving him the option of returning to the Tigers program.

Randolph, a 6-foot-10, 205-pounder, was an honorable mention All-American in his first year with the Tigers, posting averages of 15.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots per game. A product of Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Randolph was a unanimous SEC All-Freshman Team pick by the conference's coaches.

"After much discussion with my family and those closest to me, I feel that there cannot be a better time for me to enter the NBA Draft," said Randolph in a press conference Tuesday. "I am well aware of the challenges young men face when entering the professional ranks of any career. However, I believe I am ready to face these challenges with a positive attitude, and I have faith and determination that I will succeed in these endeavors."

LSU struggled to a 13-18 record during a 2007-08 season that saw their head coach John Brady lose his job, as the team went just 6-10 in Southeastern Conference play and missed the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.

Randolph can return to school for his sophomore season provided he does not hire an agent and withdraws his name from the draft prior to the June 16 deadline. Should he remain in the draft, he would be the fifth Tiger in the past 10 years to leave school with eligibility remaining, joining current NBA players Stromile Swift, Brandon Bass, Tyrus Thomas and Glen Davis.