Illinois' Richmond Declares For NBA Draft
University of Illinois freshman Jereme Richmond has declared for the 2011 NBA Draft, according to the school's website. The Waukegan native is working out in Chicago and will weigh his options before signing an agent.
"I enjoyed my time at the University of Illinois and would like to thank the coaching staff and my teammates for everything they've done for me," Richmond said in a statement. "At this time, I'm ready to follow my dreams and achieve my life-long goal of playing in the NBA."
Richmond averaged 7.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game over the course of the season and earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. He shot 52.8 percent from the field and ranked third in the Big Ten in field goal shooting during conference play at 60.4 percent.
"Jereme is an extremely talented player who helped us at nearly every position," head coach Bruce Weber said. "His versatility and ability to impact the game in a number of different areas are skills that will help him greatly as he pursues his dream of playing professional basketball. We wish Jereme the best and thank him for all he has meant to the Illinois basketball program, from the time he committed as a high school freshman through his contributions this past season."
