Tue Apr 15 18:38:48 2008

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Memphis' Rose headed to the NBA

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Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - University of Memphis freshman sensation Derrick Rose announced Tuesday he will enter the NBA Draft and forego his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility.

Rose averaged 14.9 points and 4.7 assists per game in the regular season and 20.8 points in six NCAA tournament games, as the Tigers finished as national runners-up to Kansas. The Wooden Award finalist recorded 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds in the 75-68 overtime defeat.

"I have decided to make myself eligible for the 2008 NBA Draft," Rose said. "This is not a step I take lightly, although it has always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. After weighing all of the options - with which I am blessed - I feel that it is the right time for me to take this step."

Rose is a projected top-five pick and has a chance to be taken first overall.

"Derrick is one of the great players I've ever coached, but of even more importance, he is one of the greatest teammates I've been around," Tigers head coach John Calipari said of his one-and-done superstar.