Houston F Jarace Walker declares for NBA draft

Houston freshman forward Jarace Walker said he will declare for the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-8 Walker is projected to be a lottery pick. He averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in 36 games (35 starts) this season.

"I'm declaring," Walker said after the top-seeded Cougars lost 89-75 to Miami in the Sweet 16 on Friday. "I really wish I could do another season with these guys, but I just feel like that's what is best for me."

Walker, the American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, had 16 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and four blocked shots against Miami but made just 4 of 16 shots.