As Expected, Kidd Will Go Pro : Basketball: Cal’s sophomore point guard declares himself eligible for the NBA draft after two seasons with the Golden Bears fail to produce a Final Four finish.

Jason Kidd, California’s point guard, said Wednesday he will forgo his final two years of college eligibility to make himself available for the NBA draft.

Kidd, who announced the decision on his 21st birthday, is projected to be taken as high as No. 2 in the June 29 draft. The 6-foot-4 sophomore All-American is the first collegiate underclassman to declare for the draft.

Kidd led Cal to 21- and 22-victory seasons, but failed to help the Bears reach the Final Four.

“I feel sad inside in a way because I haven’t finished my mission at Cal,” said Kidd, who attended a news conference with his parents and two sisters. “I know there’s a lot of things I have to learn, but I know in time I can be successful.”

In his final college game, Kidd made four of 17 shots as Cal was upset by Wisconsin Green Bay in the first round of the NCAA tournament last week. After the game, Kidd talked about playing at Cal for at least another season.

But less than a week later, he did what he was expected to do all along--leave Berkeley.

Kidd and Coach Todd Bozeman broke down in tears and hugged each other after Wednesday’s announcement.

“Today is a day of mixed emotions,” Bozeman said. “I’m happy because Jason is able to fulfill his dream of taking the next step to the NBA. He has my total blessing. I think he’s ready to accept the challenge of everything that’s out before him.”

Kidd, who said he would like to play for the Lakers and their new coach, Magic Johnson, said the decision to turn pro was difficult.

“It made it even harder because of Coach Bozeman and us being so close,” he said.

One influence in the decision was that his friend Chris Webber, who left Michigan after his sophomore year, was picked first in last year’s draft and signed a contract worth $74 million with the Golden State Warriors. Another factor was the impending NBA rookie salary cap.

Known for his creative playmaking, active defense and exceptional court vision, but criticized for his inconsistent jump shot, Kidd set the Pacific 10 Conference season record for assists with 272. This season, he averaged 16.8 points, 9.1 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 3.1steals.

Last season, he had 110 steals, an NCAA record for freshmen. He averaged 13 points and 7.7 assists per game while leading the Golden Bears to an NCAA tournament victory over two-time defending champion Duke.

This season, expectations for Cal were high, but injuries to several key players left Kidd as one of only seven scholarship players.

Kidd’s teammate, junior Lamond Murray, also is expected to make himself available to the NBA draft. He has until May 15 to decide.

“Lamond will make his decision based on what’s best for himself and his family,” Bozeman said.