After two years at UConn Jeremy Lamb has decided to leave school and declare himself eligible for the NBA draft, the school announced today. The talented and enigmatic sophomore averaged 17.7 points and 4.9 rebounds for the Huskies last year, earning himself a spot on the All-Big East first team and an honorable mention on the AP All American team.
It's hard to fault Lamb for the move, which was widely expected. He was a key component of a championship team as a freshman and with UConn barred from next year's NCAA tournament going pro makes sense. He has the height, length and most importantly skills required to compete at the next level and is expected to be chosen somewhere in the back half of the NBA lottery. He's just the third fourth UConn player to declare for the draft after his second season as a Husky, following Caron Butler Charlie Villanueva and Rudy Gay.
Here's Lamb on his decision:
"It was a difficult decision, but after much prayer and discussion with my parents, I feel that it's in the best interest of me and my family to declare myself eligible for the upcoming NBA Draft and pursue my dream of playing professional basketball," Lamb said. "I have very much enjoyed my two years at UConn, especially getting to experience one of the greatest feelings that a college player can have, winning the national championship."
Here's Jim Calhoun's reaction:
"It's never easy to lose a great player from your program, but Jeremy has a unique opportunity that he needs to take advantage of," UConn coach Jim Calhoun said. "He's been a great kid to coach for the past two years ... his teams have won 52 games, been to two NCAA Tournaments, and won a national championship. I look forward to him developing into a terrific player in the NBA and secondly, as he's promised me, to come back and finish his degree."
He's been a fun player to watch for two years and I'm happy to wish him luck in the NBA. Thanks for 2011 Jeremy.