Virginia F Diakite declares for NBA draft

Virginia junior power forward Mamadi Diakite announced Wednesday that he is declaring for the NBA draft, becoming the fourth member of the NCAA championship team to pursue a professional career.

The 6-foot-9 Diakite initially made his announcement on his Instagram page. He is keeping his options open per a possible return to school.

"I would like to announce my intentions to declare for the NBA Draft," Diakite said in a school news release. "This process will allow me to test the waters, get valuable feedback and participate in the pre-draft process. Regardless, I know that UVA will always hold a special place in my heart."

Diakite averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds and had a team-high 63 shots this season. His biggest moment was making a shot as regulation expired to force overtime in an eventual win over Purdue in the Elite Eight.

"Mamadi is taking advantage of the new NCAA rules to make the best decision for himself and his family," Virginia coach Tony Bennett said in a statement regarding players now being allowed to retain an agent during the evaluation period. "Mamadi really improved this season and became a reliable defender, rim protector and interior scorer. We will support Mamadi throughout the process."

Diakite has until May 29 to decide whether or not to return to Virginia.

Sophomore guard De'Andre Hunter, junior point guard Ty Jerome and junior shooting guard Kyle Guy previously declared for the June 20 draft. Guy also is open to a return to school.

--Field Level Media