Malcolm Lee will hire an agent and enter the draft, forfeiting the remainder of his NCAA eligibility.

"My dream has always been to play in the NBA," Lee said in a statement, "and I think that this is the best time for me to try and make that a reality."

UCLA coach Ben Howland did not conceal his disappointment in Lee's decision not to heed his advice.

"Obviously, it's what's best for UCLA basketball," Howland said of Lee returning for his senior season. "But honestly in my heart, with all the factors, I thought that was also in his best interest."

Lee was second on the team in scoring at 13.1 points per game and finished fourth in rebounding at 3.1 rpg.

He has been projected as a second-round pick.