During a news conference on Monday, Kansas Center Cole Aldirch announced that he will be skipping his junior season to enter the 2010 NBA Draft.
"“First of all, I want to thank everybody just for the opportunity I’ve had here,” said Aldrich. “It’s been a fun one.”Aldrich referred to his paternal grandmother, who died during this past season after a long illness.“I don’t want to get choked up or anything, but the last three years have been pretty special. It’s been a lot of highs, a few lows with my grandma…”He paused and looked down.“It’s been a special time for me and my family. I’ve talked with them extensively. We went through somewhat of the same process last year in figuring out what I wanted to do. I think my time has come in my life to change the chapter and go from one great chapter to hopefully start another great chapter in life.”"
KCTV Channel 5 in Kansas City has the story here.
The 7-footer is a likely first round pick. Aldrich averaged 11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game for the Jayhawks this season.
(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger and a contributor at NFL Mocks and Sir Charles In Charge. Subscribe to his RSS feed, add him on Twitter to follow him daily and you can get the HTD app here).