Kansas' Cliff Alexander headed to NBA draft

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) Kansas forward Cliff Alexander said Tuesday he is foregoing his three remaining years of eligibility and will enter the NBA draft.

''I talked this over with my mom and dad and we decided the timing was right for me to enter the NBA draft,'' Alexander said in a statement. ''Kansas has been a great experience.''

On Feb. 28, Alexander was forced to miss the final few weeks of the season due to an investigation into improper benefits.

''This should come as no surprise to anybody,'' Kansas coach Bill Self said in a statement. ''Cliff had a very interesting and educational year. He was a major contributor to our team from the beginning of the season.

''He worked his way into the starting lineup and has had to deal with an off-the-court issue with the NCAA that made him ineligible for the last eight games of our season.''

Alexander averaged 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for the Jayhawks, who finished 27-9 and lost to Wichita State in the NCAA Tournament.