Apr 25, 2007, 2:55 GMT
Champaign, IL - Illinois junior center Shaun Pruitt declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft on Tuesday.
'I feel I've established myself as one of the top big men in the Big Ten and I want to evaluate my ability to compete at the next level,' said Pruitt. 'Over the past three years I've learned a lot from the Illinois coaches, and my teammates have also helped make me a better player.
The 6-10 Pruitt, who is the only Illini player to start every game over the past two years. averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.5 rpg this past season. He will not hire an agent.
'We are behind Shaun and will continue to support him as he pursues this opportunity,' said Illinois head coach Bruce Weber. 'This is a chance for Shaun to prove himself this spring, as well as continue to improve his game by undergoing a rigorous workout schedule. If he does return to our program next season, he will be a better player by having gone through this process.'
© 2007 The Sports Network
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