UCLA freshman Ike Anigbogu hires agent ahead of NBA draft

By AP
Published

LOS ANGELES (AP) Ike Anigbogu has hired an agent, ensuring the freshman won't return to UCLA's basketball team.

The 6-foot-10 forward-center has posted a photo of himself with new agent Jason Glushon on Twitter. Anigbogu had declared for the NBA draft two weeks ago, but didn't immediately sign with an agent, which would have allowed him to return to Westwood.

He joins fellow freshmen Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf in leaving early for the draft and hiring agents. Leaf and Ball are expected to be first-round picks. Where Anigbogu lands is less certain because he averaged 4.7 points, four rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots while playing 13 minutes a game last season, although his physical presence boosts his draft stock.

Junior center Thomas Welsh and sophomore guard Aaron Holiday have declared for the draft but neither has hired an agent. They have until May 24 to withdraw their names.