Freshman Richmond leaves Illinois, plans to enter draft

CHAMAPIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Forward Jereme Richmond has declared for the NBA draft after one year at Illinois, ending a rocky college career for the highly touted recruit.

The school said Tuesday that Richmond is working out in Chicago to get ready for the June 23 draft but hasn't hired an agent, a move that could allow him to remain a college player. But the announcement made it clear he's left Illinois.

"I enjoyed my time at the University of Illinois and would like to thank the coaching staff and my teammates for everything they've done for me," said Richmond, who is from Waukegan in suburban Chicago.

Illinois coach Bruce Weber wished the former McDonald's All-American the best.

"His versatility and ability to impact the game in a number of different areas are skills that will help him greatly as he pursues his dream of playing professional basketball," Weber said in a statement.

The 6-foot-7 Richmond averaged 7.6 points and 5.0 rebounds in 31 games with Illinois, making the Big Ten all-freshman team. But he was benched for a game at Wisconsin in January after heading back home and missing practice. He also was suspended for both of Illinois' NCAA tournament games earlier for an unspecified issue.

Weber said last week that Richmond was practicing with the team and could return next season.

"If he makes the progress he's supposed to, then he'll be there," Weber said at the time, declining to specify what Richmond had done to merit the suspension.

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