MEMPHIS, April 17 (UPI) -- In a decision that has been expected almost from the day he said he was going to the University of Memphis, freshman phenom Dajuan Wagner announced late Wednesday his intention to make himself available in this year's NBA Draft.
Wagner, who has been touted by some talent experts as a can't miss pro prospect, averaged 21.2 points per contest this past season, and set a single-season Memphis school record by scoring 762 points. He was named to the Conference USA all-league first team and also was named the conference's Freshman of the Year, as well as to The Sporting News All-Freshman team.
Wagner was named the Most Valuable Player of the Owens Corning NIT, leading Memphis to its first post-season championship.
He also averaged 3.6 assists per game, which ranked 12th in Conference USA, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 41 percent from the field.
"This was a difficult decision. However, my lifelong dream has been to play in the NBA and I am anxious to begin my professional basketball career," Wagner said. "I am going to continue to attend classes and finish the semester, as I promised my mother that I would get my degree."
"I agreed with Dajuan and his family," said Memphis Coach John Calipari. "Looking at all the factors involved, this is the time for this young man to take on all the challenges of the NBA. It was a wonderful experience coaching Dajuan."
Wagner is projected as a possible lottery pick in this summer's NBA Draft.
