Kentucky announces Nerlens Noel will enter NBA draft

• Noel averaged 10.5 points%2C 9.5 rebounds and 4.4 blocks as a freshman
• He missed the team%27s final nine games after a serious knee injury
• The NBA draft will be held on June 27 in New York

Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel will give up his sophomore season and enter his name in this year's NBA draft.

"I have loved my time at Kentucky, but I feel that I'm ready to take the next step to the NBA," Noel said in a release "I've learned so much here at UK and am thankful for Coach (John) Calipari, the staff and my teammates for all of their support. I especially appreciate the Big Blue Nation and all of the support, prayers and well-wishes I've received from them during my rehab and decision-making process. I'll always be a Wildcat!"

Noel, of Everett, Mass., led the nation in blocks as he averaged 4.4 per game and had 106 in 24 games played before his season-ending knee injury.

Despite the injury, Noel is projected to be one of the first players taken and maybe the first overall.

He averaged 10.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game and finished the season ranked second in Kentucky single-season history with 106 blocks. His 50 steals ranked as the fifth most in a single season by a freshman.

"I support Nerlens' decision to enter his name in the draft and am excited for him and his future," Calipari said in a release. "The hard work and will to win he showed on the floor this year and the dedication and attitude he has shown in his rehab will only be a reward for him and whatever team drafts him in June."

The NBA draft lottery is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, and the 2013 NBA draft will take place Thursday, June 27.

Kyle Tucker also writes for the Louisville Courier-Journal, a Gannett property