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Colorado forward Andre Roberson to enter NBA Draft

Colorado v Illinois

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 22: Andre Roberson #21 of the Colorado Buffaloes plays against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second round of the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at The Frank Erwin Center on March 22, 2013 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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Two days after canceling a press conference to announce his decision in regards to entering the 2013 NBA Draft or returning to school for his senior season, Colorado junior forward Andre Roberson has decided to leave school.

As a junior Roberson averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, earning first team All-Pac-12 honors and helping lead the Buffaloes to their second consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.

“We support Andre and want what’s best for him and his family,” head coach Tad Boyle said Sunday afternoon in a statement released by the school. “We wish him the best.”

Roberson leaves Boulder as one of the greatest players in school history, as he’s the only Buffalo to tally 1,000 points (1,012), 1,000 rebounds (1,045), 150 blocks (150) and steals (164), and 100 assists (119) in a career.

According to multiple NBA Draft services Roberson is projected to go in the second round of the NBA Draft this June, with his rebounding and defensive abilities being skills that translate to the next level. With work still needing to be done offensively when it comes to his ability to play on the perimeter, Roberson will need to improve in that area in the weeks leading up to the draft.

As for Colorado losing Roberson is a hit to their chances of winning the Pac-12 next season, with many seeing Arizona as the early favorite to win the conference. But the cupboard isn’t bare by any stretch of the imagination.

Guards Askia Booker and Spencer Dinwiddie return, as will forward Xavier Johnson and center Josh Scott. Add in Wes Gordon and Charles Jenkins, who both redshirted this past season and will be expected to contribute, and a talented freshman class that includes Jaron Hopkins and Tre’Shaun Fletcher and the Buffaloes won’t lack for talent.

Losing Roberson is a tough blow for Colorado. But considering the fact that he’s in the position, along with Colorado having skilled players capable of taking advantage of the opportunity in front of them, is also evidence of how much this program has progressed under Boyle and his staff.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.