Stanford's Okpala declares for NBA draft

Stanford forward KZ Okpala has declared for the NBA draft, the school announced Thursday.

Okpala submitted his name to the NBA's Undergraduate Advisory Committee, allowing him to attend the NBA combine and work out for NBA teams. The sophomore can retain his college eligibility up until the May 29 deadline when he must decide whether to commit to the June selection.

"After several discussions with my family and my coaches, I have decided to declare for the NBA Draft," Okpala said in a statement. "The NBA is a dream and certainly a goal of mine.

"I am truly blessed to continue to learn from so many people here at Stanford as I grow as a person and a player. It's exciting to apply what I have learned so far as I begin this journey and see where it takes me."

Okpala averaged a team-high 16.9 points for the Cardinal this past season, adding 5.7 rebounds, two assists, and one steal per game. He is projected by ESPN to go late in the first round.