By the look of his Texas tank top and shorts, Kevin Durant might have fooled someone into thinking he'd changed his mind. Was it a hint he might stay in college?
No chance. The kid is leaving for the NBA.
Durant, an 18-year-old freshman and The Associated Press Player of the Year, said Tuesday in Austin, Texas, he will leave the Longhorns to enter the June draft, bringing a quick end to what was a short but spectacular college career.
"I just thought it was time to go," Durant said at a news conference to announce his decision. "It's been my dream for a while. I felt I was ready."
After an All-American season in which he swept the major player of the year awards, few expected Durant to stay at Texas.
Now the question is whether he'll be the first player drafted. Durant and Ohio State's freshman center Greg Oden — who has not yet said if he'll leave college — are considered the likely first two picks.
"I know I'll be one of the higher picks. It doesn't really matter if I go one or two as long as I go," Durant said.
Durant's parents, Wayne and Wanda Pratt, said his year in college was invaluable.
"The University of Texas has been very good to him," Wayne Pratt said. "He's matured a lot."
AFFLALO ALSO LEAVING: UCLA All-American Arron Afflalo is passing up his senior year to enter the NBA draft. Afflalo, who averaged 16.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists and led the Bruins to consecutive Final Fours, announced his decision Tuesday at a campus news conference.
The 21-year-old junior from Compton declared for the NBA draft last year but withdrew and returned to school after attending evaluation camps. A player who declares a second time isn't allowed to return to school.
"The decision wasn't easy," he said. "I did this for my personal growth, my happiness and where I felt I should be as an individual, what can get me to compete and be the best basketball player I can be."
LAWSON STAYING: Ty Lawson will return to North Carolina for his sophomore season. Lawson, who had the best assist-turnover ratio in the Atlantic Coast Conference, announced his decision Tuesday night during the Tar Heels' annual awards ceremony at the Dean Smith Center.