Report: UCLA sophomore Kyle Anderson to enter NBA draft
Kyle Anderson is reportedly leaving UCLA for the NBA draft. (McClatchy-Tribune/Getty Images)
UCLA sophomore Kyle Anderson will enter the NBA draft, according to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv.
“Kyle is totally prepared mentally to come out,” Anderson's father, Kyle Sr., told SNY.tv earlier this year. “He knows he’ll have to get adjusted to the rigors and physicality of the NBA but mentally he’s always been a little more mature than the average age he’s at.
The 6-foot-9, 230-pound point-forward -- nicknamed "Slow-mo" averaged 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game for UCLA this season. He also shot an impressive 48.3 percent from three-point range after shooting just 21.1 the year before.
Anderson comes in at No. 20 on Chris Mannix's latest Big Board:
Anderson is a fascinating prospect: After playing off the ball last season, UCLA coach Steve Alford made Anderson the Bruins point guard this season. And Anderson has excelled, averaging 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting a blistering 48 percent from the field and 48.3 percent from three. Scouts rave about his ball handling and vision, as well as his ability to play under pressure. Defense is the issue, and a big one. Anderson doesn't appear to have the foot speed needed to defend faster playmakers.
UCLA lost to Florida 79-68 in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night. Anderson finished with 11 points (4-of-11 shooting), nine rebounds, five assists and two steals in the defeat.
