Memphis' Taggart enters NBA draft

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Memphis junior forward Shawn Taggart has submitted his name for the 2009 NBA draft.

Taggart said in a statement Monday from the university that he wants to test the waters and see what feedback he gets following encouragement from the team's new head coach, Josh Pastner. He graduates in May but still has one year of collegiate eligibility.

He says he'll make a decision later whether to remain in the draft or return for a final year at Memphis.

The 6-foot-10 player started in 27 games last year and averaged 10.4 points and 7.6 rebounds. Taggart led the Tigers in rebounding and free-throw percentage and was second in field-goal percentage and blocks and third in scoring.

He had eight double-doubles this season, including four in the final 10 games.