Ebanks leaving West Virginia for NBA

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., April 12 (UPI) -- West Virginia sophomore forward Devin Ebanks said Monday he was leaving the Big East Conference school and making himself eligible for the NBA draft.

Ebanks averaged 12 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds last season in helping the Mountaineers to 31 wins and a Final Four berth last season. He average 10.5 points and 7.8 rebounds a game as a freshman.

"I spoke to my mother and the coaching staff, and we have decided that I should explore my options to pursue a dream that I have had since I was a little kid," Ebanks said in a statement. "I want to thank West Virginia University, my coaches, my teammates and all the great fans."

West Virginia Coach Bob Huggins praised Ebanks as "extremely coachable and a great teammate."

"We certainly wish him the best for a long and prosperous career," Huggins said.