Michigan's Mitch McGary declares for NBA draft after positive drug test

Mitch McGary helped lead the Wolverines to the NCAA title game in 2013 but missed most of this past season with a back injury. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Michigan forward Mitch McGary declared for the NBA draft on Friday while facing a year-long suspension after a positive drug test during the NCAA tournament, the player and school announced.

McGary, a 6-foot-10 forward who starred during the Wolverines' run to the 2013 national title game, was a preseason All-America last season. But he battled through a back injury and played only eight games before undergoing season-ending surgery in January. He evidently tested positive for marijuana use while Michigan played in the Midwest Regional semifinals and finals in Indianapolis in March.

Yahoo! Sports initially reported McGary's positive test, possible suspension and declaration for the draft Friday.

"My family and I want to thank everyone for giving us privacy and the time to make this decision," McGary said in a statement released by the school. "As you know, it was important for us to weigh all the factors that go into something like this. With that being said, I am ready to move on to the next stage in my life and enter the NBA Draft.

"Being a part of a program that values integrity, it is important to let everyone know of a poor decision I recently made. I tested positive for marijuana during the NCAA Tournament. We were notified of that result after the Final Four. I regret thoroughly disappointing my family, coaches and administration. Despite all of this they have been understanding and helpful over the last couple of weeks."

Michigan now has lost McGary, guard Nik Stauskas and forward Glenn Robinson III -- all possible first-round picks -- to the NBA draft.

"Mitch has had a tremendous impact on our program from the moment he committed to us," Wolverines coach John Beilein said in a statement. "He has injected an enthusiasm that cannot be matched. This is why he is loved by the coaching staff, his teammates and Wolverine fans. The progress he has made on and off the court has been outstanding. His willingness to face a personal issue head on and his positive work ethic during his recent injury have helped him to grow in many ways. We know that he will put all of his energy and effort toward achieving his goals. We will continue to assist and support Mitch as he pursues a career in the NBA."