He said, however, he would not hire an agent, to maintain his NCAA eligibility.

Mbah a Moute averaged 8.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in 2007-08. He became the first UCLA player in 34 years to start in three straight Final Four games.

"After speaking with my family and with Coach (Ben) Howland, I feel that it is in my best interest to see what the NBA has to offer," Mbah a Moute said. "I'm not hiring an agent, so the opportunity still exists for me to return to UCLA.

"I have had a wonderful experience at UCLA. I have had a chance to play in three Final Fours and that is very special to me and I'll never forget it."

UCLA star center Kevin Love and guard Russell Westbrook -- both freshmen -- announced Thursday they would make themselves eligible for the draft.