UConn's Walker declares for NBA draft

STORRS, Conn., April 12 (UPI) -- University of Connecticut guard Kemba Walker said Tuesday he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the NBA draft.

Walker, whose stellar play helped lead the Huskies to the national title this season, said it was time for him to turn pro.

"I think it's the right time for me to go to the NBA," he said. "I've accomplished a lot in my college career. Coach (Jim Calhoun) did a great job preparing me to play at that level."

"I told him it's time for him to move on," Calhoun said. "Just like he will this summer when he completes all his school work, he'll graduate. He's graduating basketball-wise too."

Walker scored 16 points and hauled down nine rebounds in the Huskies' 53-41 victory over Butler in the national title game last week. He averaged 23.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 41 games this season.

Walker also won the Bob Cousy Award as the top point guard in men's college basketball, scoring at least 30 points 11 times and hitting at least 20 points 27 times.