LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas sophomore standout Brandon Rush says he plans to enter the NBA Draft.
"I'm ready to take the next step," Rush told The Kansas City Star for a story Friday. "I'm ready to make a better life for me and my family."
The 6-6 guard, who also tested the NBA waters out of high school before signing with Kansas, told The Star he will not immediately sign with an agent, which leaves the door open to play another year in college.
"I could hire an agent, but if I do, it will be much later in the process," Rush said. "Right now I want to keep my options open. I'm going into it with a free mind. I don't have anything to lose. I can come back to school or I can stay (in the draft). It's a plus-plus either way."
The university's athletic department could not confirm the announcement Friday morning but expected to issue a statement later in the day.
Rush told The Star he planned to fax his official draft entry form to the NBA Headquarters before heading to Dallas for a weekend vacation.
Rush averaged 13.8 points and 5.6 rebounds last season and was the only Jayhawk to start all 38 games. He also shot 43 percent from three point range in leading Kansas to a 33-5 record, the Big 12 regular and postseason championships, and a trip to the round of eight.
Rush joins Julian Wright as the second Kansas player to leave school since last season to enter the NBA Draft.
Rush has until June 18 to withdraw and return to school if he is not satisfied with his draft position and does not hire an agent. The NBA draft is June 28.
Other than Self and former summer-league coach John Walker, Rush said he didn't ask for anyone's advice.
Rush is the younger brother of JaRon and Kareem Rush.
NBA analysts predict Rush will be selected from No. 15 to No. 35 in this year's draft.
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Information from: The Kansas City Star,
http://www.kcstar.com
Brandon Rush declares, delays hiring agent
