UCLA freshman forward T.J. Leaf will declare for the NBA Draft with the intention of signing with an agent, he told ZAGSBLOG on Thursday.
“This was a huge decision for me and my family. It was definitely one of the hardest decisions in my life,” said Leaf. “The coaches were the best I’ve had, and I can’t thank them enough, especially Coach [Steve] Alford.”
The 6-foot-10 Leaf averaged 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists as the Bruins reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
“TJ had such a great season for us, and I completely support his decision to pursue his dream,” Alford said. “I’m proud of what he was able to accomplish this season. He brought so much to our team, both on and off the court, and we’re certainly going to miss him.”
Leaf is projected as the No. 22 pick by DraftExpress.com.
His teammate, freshman point guard Lonzo Ball, declared for the Draft after the loss to Kentucky. He is projected as the No. 2 pick by Draft Express.com.
The Pac-12 will likely have four one-and-done first-round picks in Ball, Leaf, Arizona’s Lauri Markkanen and Washington’s Markelle Fultz.
“I will always love my UCLA family so much, in particular, the amazing teammates I had this past year,” said Leaf. “They are like brothers to me. This was the most fun year of basketball I’ve had in my entire life, and I will definitely miss it.”
UCLA has a six-man recruiting class ranked No. 2 by ESPN.com.