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Luc Richard Mbah a Moute Declares for NBA Draft

The junior forward will not hire an agent, making his return to UCLA a possibility.

April 18, 2008

LOS ANGELES - UCLA junior forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute announced today that he would make himself eligible for the NBA draft but will not hire an agent at this time in order to maintain his NCAA eligibility.

"After speaking with my family and with Coach (Ben) Howland, I feel that it is in my best interest to see what the NBA has to offer," Mbah a Moute said. "I'm not hiring an agent, so the opportunity still exists for me to return to UCLA."

Mbah a Moute averaged 8.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in 2007-08 and was named an honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection as well as an honorable mention Pac-10 All-Academic team member.

"I have had a wonderful experience at UCLA," Mbah a Moute added. "I have had a chance to play in three Final Fours and that is very special to me and I'll never forget it."

In 2008, Mbah a Moute became the first Bruin since Keith Wilkes, Bill Walton and Greg Lee (1972-74) to start in three straight Final Four games. He also became the first college player to start in three consecutive Final Fours since Andre Hutson and Charlie Bell of Michigan State in 1999-2001. His 775 career rebounds currently rank him No. 15 on the UCLA career charts.

"Luc is a great rebounder and is an outstanding defender," Howland said. "He's the most versatile defensive player I've ever coached. He has been an integral part of the success that our program has achieved over the last three seasons. I fully support him exploring his opportunities to play in the NBA."