Farmar To Leave UCLA For The NBA

By Bruin Basketball Report

Jordan Farmar officially announced his intention today to remain in the NBA Draft and forego his final two years of college basketball eligibility at UCLA.

Farmar was the Bruins' second-leading scorer (13.5) and led the Pac-10 in assists (5.1) this season.

"It was really tough. It went down to the wire," Farmar said. "There were so many positives both ways."

Farmar said he plans to hire an agent within days. He worked out a number of NBA teams, including the Lakers, Clippers, Phoenix, Sacramento and New Jersey.

"I feel like I'm ready mentally. I know I can play at that level against anybody," he said during a conference call. "I've got nothing but positive feedback from many of the teams. My lifelong dream has been to play in the NBA."

Farmar said he surprised teams with his strength.

"At 170 pounds, they thought I would be a lot weaker than I was. I tested at the top of the charts in just about everything," he said.

Farmar recorded the highest step vertical jump at 42" at last week's NBA Pre-draft camp in Orlando. In addition, he bench-pressed 180 lbs. eleven times - more than some power forwards and centers including Texas' LaMarcus Aldridge.

He declined to say whether any team had guaranteed taking him in the first round, since second-round picks do not receive guaranteed contracts.

"I'm mentally prepared if that happens," Farmar said.

After leading Taft High School to a city championship his senior year, Farmar was heavily recruited by Gonzaga and Florida but not UCLA.

When Ben Howland was hired to replace Steve Lavin as UCLA's new head coach, Howland make a strong recruiting push and convinced Farmar to play in Westwood.

Along with fellow McDonald All-American Arron Afflalo, the young Bruin backcourt proclaimed they would return UCLA to it rightful place among college basketball's elite.

The Bruins reached the Final Four this season for the first time since 1995, and played in the championship game before losing to the Florida Gators.

Farmar was the Bruins leading scorer (12.5) in tournament play and was named to the NCAA All-Tournament teams in Oakland and Indianapolis.

"I'm proud and excited about all the great play he brought to UCLA," coach Ben Howland said. "We are totally supportive of his decision."

The 2006 NBA Draft will be held June 28 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Arron Afflalo announced yesterday he withdrew from the upcoming draft and will remain at UCLA for the upcoming season

BBR congratulates Jordan Farmar on a stellar career at UCLA, and wishes him the best in his NBA pursuits.

(BruinBasketballReport.com)