Mbah a Moute will enter NBA draft

4/18/2008 5:37 PM

LOS ANGELES (AP) -Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is the latest UCLA player intending to leave early for the NBA.

The junior forward said Friday he will enter the draft. The 6-foot-8 Mbah a Moute won't hire an agent right away, keeping him eligible to return to UCLA for his senior year.

``I feel that it is in my best interest to see what the NBA has to offer,'' Mbah a Moute said. ``I have had a wonderful experience at UCLA.''

Mbah a Moute joins All-American freshman Kevin Love and sophomore Russell Westbrook, who announced Thursday their intentions to go pro.

Mbah a Moute averaged 8.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game during the regular season. The 21-year-old native of Cameroon was part of three consecutive Final Four teams at UCLA.

Mbah a Moute was hampered by a sprained ankle throughout this year's tournament that ended when UCLA lost to Memphis 78-63 in the national semifinals.

UCLA coach Ben Howland said Mbah a Moute will have to work on his jump shot, but believes his reputation as an active defender will pay off.

``Luc is a great rebounder and is an outstanding defender,'' Howland said. ``He's the most versatile defensive player I've ever coached. He has been an integral part of the success that our program has achieved over the last three seasons. I fully support him exploring his opportunities to play in the NBA.''