Syracuse's Tyler Ennis declares for NBA draft
Tyler Ennis (right) is leaving Syracuse after just one season to enter the NBA draft. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Syracuse freshman guard Tyler Ennis has declared for the 2014 NBA draft.
"I'd like to thank coach [Jim] Boeheim, the coaching staff, my teammates and the amazing fans of Syracuse for the opportunity to play at a great university like Syracuse," Ennis said in a prepared statement. "I feel this experience has helped prepare me to fulfill my lifelong dream – to play in the NBA."
His decision to leave college was first reported by ESPN.com.
Ennis, 19, averaged 12.9 points, 5.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 35.7 minutes per game this season, earning Second Team All-ACC and All-ACC Freshman Team honors. He tallied 16 points and six assists in Syracuse's first-round victory over Western Michigan in the NCAA tournament and registered 19 points and three assists in a second-round loss to Dayton.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix placed Ennis at No. 7 in his latest big board, which was released in February.
NBA executives love playmakers like Ennis who excel in the pick-and-roll. Ennis isn't a great shooter, but he protects the ball (3.68-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, ninth in Division I), is rarely rattled and appears to be most comfortable in high-pressure situations. Point guard has become the NBA's most valued position, and Ennis has the makeup of a very good one.
