Diogu Will Leave Arizona State for NBA

Arizona State’s Ike Diogu, only the third player to lead the Pacific 10 Conference in scoring and rebounding in the same season, was among several players who indicated Tuesday they would remain in the NBA draft.

The players who had declared for the early entry process had until Tuesday -- one week before the draft -- to withdraw their names and retain their college eligibility. The NBA said it would release the list of those eligible for the draft today.

Among those who announced they would remain in the draft were junior center Dwayne Jones of St. Joseph’s, freshman center Randolph Morris of Kentucky, junior forward Shavlik Randolph of Duke, junior guard Anthony Roberson of Florida and sophomore forward Olu Famutimi of Arkansas.

Among those removing their name were junior forward Torin Francis of Notre Dame and junior forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu of George Washington.

Diogu’s decision ended weeks of speculation as he debated whether to return to Arizona State for his senior season or take a chance on being a high first-round pick.

“After going through the process, my family and I have decided it is in my best interests professionally to stay in the NBA draft,” Diogu said in a statement.