UNLV's Anthony Bennett declares for 2013 NBA Draft
UNLV's Anthony Bennett has declared for the NBA draft. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
By Ben Golliver
UNLV freshman forward Anthony Bennett declared for the 2013 NBA draft on Monday.
"I feel like it's a great opportunity for me but I'm ready to learn, work hard and also support my family," Bennett said, fighting back tears during a press conference in Las Vegas. "I have mixed emotions about this, it's not the easiest decision I've made in my life but I'm happy about it."
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix has Bennett in the No. 4 position on his latest big board.
Bennett, 20, averaged 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game on the season, winning the 2013 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year honors. He tallied 15 points and 11 rebounds in the Running Rebels' only NCAA tournament game, a loss to California.
A native of Canada who played at Nevada's Findlay Prep as a high schooler, Bennett is listed at 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds and currently ranks No. 4 on DraftExpress.com's top 100 and No. 5 in Chad Ford's top 100.
The declaration was widely anticipated in advance of Monday's official announcement.
