Pitino says Harrell, Rozier to enter NBA Draft

Louisville coach Rick Pitino said Monday that Montrezl Harrell and Terry Rozier, the team's top two scorers this past season, will both leave school early to enter the NBA Draft.

"They're both leaving, yes -- 100 percent. And it's the right thing to do for both of them," Pitino told reporters after he was asked about the players.

His comments came one day after Louisville lost to Michigan State in overtime in the East Region final of the NCAA Tournament, coming one win short of a third Final Four berth in the last four seasons.

Harrell, a 6-foot-8 junior forward, is widely projected to be a first-round pick after averaging 15.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks this past season.

Rozier, a 6-foot-1 sophomore guard, led the Cardinals in scoring at 17.1 points per game and averaged three assists, 5.6 rebounds and two steals.

Pitino said he did not share the media's perceived doubts about Rozier's NBA prospects.

The Cardinals are also losing senior swingman Wayne Blackshear, who made the Sweet 16 in all four years at Louisville.

[SportsNetwork.com]