LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas freshman Joel Embiid has declared for the 2014 NBA Draft. The 7′ 0″ center announced Wednesday in a formal press conference alongside head coach Bill Self at Allen Fieldhouse.
The 2014 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Embiid broke the KU freshman record for blocked shots with 72 and his 2.6 blocked shots per game finished second in the league. Named to the 2014 All-Big 12 Second Team, Embiid led KU with 8.1 rebounds per game, which is also a KU freshman record, and good for sixth in the Big 12.
“I just want to thank God first for giving me this opportunity to come to the (United States) and play ball,” Embiid said. “I want to thank the coaching staff, my teammates, the fans; everyone that’s helped me through my journey. After thinking a lot, I’ve decided to declare for the NBA Draft.”
Embiid now joins teammate Andrew Wiggins as a possible top five pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Wiggins declared for the draft last week.