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UCLA’s Kyle Anderson, Zach LaVine officially enter 2014 NBA Draft

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UCLA made official the news that many had already expected on Wednesday, with guards Kyle Anderson and Zach LaVine announcing their intentions to leave school and enter the 2014 NBA Draft.

LaVine, whose draft prospects rose greatly during non-conference play, made his decision the day after the Bruins’ season ended in the Sweet 16 with a loss to Florida. As a freshman LaVine averaged 9.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, making 36 of his 37 appearances as one of UCLA’s key reserves.

“I am excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2014 NBA Draft,” LaVine said in the release. “I first and foremost want to thank my family for all their support in helping me through this journey to achieve my dream of playing in the NBA. I also want to thank my coaches, UCLA, my teammates and all of the fans.

“I will forever be proud to call myself a Bruin and will never forget the memories that were made here. I truly can’t wait for this next chapter in my life, and again thank everyone for all their support.”
MORE:The entire list of players entering the 2014 NBA Draft

As for Anderson, Wednesday’s announcement makes official a decision that was essentially made before the season even began. Standing at 6-foot-9, the sophomore proved to be one of the toughest match-ups at the point guard position this past season. Anderson averaged 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, earning first team All-Pac-12 honors.

“I want to thank everyone at UCLA for all they have done for me,” Anderson said in the release. “My two years at UCLA were two of the best years of my life. It was a tough decision to make with my family since our last game, but I have decided to enter my name into the NBA Draft. I will still continue to embrace the UCLA community, and I hope they will do the same with me.

“I would also like to thank Coach Alford for everything he has done for both the team and me this year in so little time. Coach Alford worked hard at getting to know all of us from the outset and created a family atmosphere that was fun to be a part of. He helped me develop as a leader on and off the court, and I appreciate him giving me every opportunity to succeed.”

The question now for UCLA is what happens with guards Jordan Adams and Norman Powell, with both having filed paperwork with the NBA to receive evaluations. The NBA’s deadline for underclassmen to enter the 2014 NBA Draft is April 27.
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