Williams declares for NBA Draft

On Tuesday morning, West Virginia junior forward Devin Williams announced his intentions to turn pro.

Williams will make himself available for the 2016 NBA Draft.

“This is something I’ve thought about over and over, and I believe this is the best decision for me and my family,” Williams said in a statement.

In February, Williams became the 50th 1000-point scorer in West Virginia school history. He is also only one of eleven players in history of the program to score more than 1000 points and record more than 800 rebounds.

As a junior, Williams averaged 13.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. He scored a career-high 31 points during West Virginia’s Big 12 Tournament championship game loss to Kansas.

“We support Devin (Williams) in his decision to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a professional basketball player,” West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins said. “We wish him nothing but the best and appreciate his contributions and the impact he has had on Mountaineer basketball."

Following West Virginia’s NCAA Tournament loss to Stephen F. Austin at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn on Friday, March 18, Williams told reporters he would return for his senior year.

“I need to continue to expand my game,” Williams said after the loss. “I have a lot more that I haven’t tapped and I just need to continue to become a better team leader.”

The idea to reassess his initial choice, isn't surprising because under the NBA’s new draft rules, an underclassmen prospect, who elects not to hire an agent, can declare early, attend team workouts and the combine before making an official decision, which has to be determined before May 25.

If Williams hires an agent, he will not be allowed to return to school.

The NBA Draft will be held on June 23 in Brooklyn.