SYRACUSE, N.Y., April 24 (UPI) -- Freshman sensation Carmelo Anthony of Syracuse, who helped the school win the NCAA Tournament this year, Thursday announced his intention to go pro.
Anthony told a horde of reporters at Syracuse, N.Y., Thursday that he would make himself available in this year's NBA draft.
The 6-8, 220-pound forward, who is a native of Baltimore, Md., averaged 22.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game in his rookie season, helping the Orangemen to win the men's college basketball title with an 81-78 win over Kansas in the championship game.
Anthoy, a near lock to be a lottery selection, should compete with high school phenom LeBron James from Akron, Ohio, for the honor of being the top player selected. James is expected to declare for the draft Friday.
"I got one year of experience," Anthony said. "I came in, played, and won a national championship."
"He's ready to play at the next level," said Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim. "Carmelo is ready, everybody knows that. I never for one moment tried to talk him out of it. In my mind, this is the right decision. We will miss Carmelo's leadership more than anything else."
Anthony broke the Syracuse freshman scoring and rebounding records, and was at his best when the team needed him most. Hampered by a bruised lower back in the final against Kansas, he still had 20 points and registered a season-high seven assists.
He won several honors, including Most Outstanding Player of the 2003 Final Four, when he averaged 26.5 points and 12.0 rebounds against Texas and Kansas, as well as NCAA East Regional MVP, Basketball Times Freshman of the Year, USBWA Freshman of the Year, and a Sporting News first team All-American, among other accolades.
"I still have a lot to improve on," Anthony said. "I was a leader, and was there for my teammates, but I have to move on, there really is nothing more I can get out of college."
The NBA Draft lottery is scheduled for May 22, and the complete draft will take place after the league's playoffs in late June. The entry deadline is June 19.
Among others who have made similar decisions or have submitted a letter-of-intent requesting early entry into the NBA are point guard Luke Ridnour of Oregon, forwards Mike Sweetney of Georgetown, Rick Rickert of Minnesota, Jarvis Hayes of Georgia, Mario Austin of Mississippi State, and Doug Wrenn of Washington, and center Marquis Estill of Kentucky.
