Oklahoma State's James Anderson going to NBA

Surrounded by Cowboys coach Travis Ford and teammates inside the O-Club atop Gallagher-Iba Arena, with students and administrators and uber fans like the “Hula Skirt Dude” in attendance, Anderson announced he was foregoing his senior season to enter the June NBA Draft.

“It was a very difficult decision for me to make,” Anderson said. “After discussing the pros and cons with my parents and coach Ford and my high school coach, I believe now’s the time to pursue my dream by playing in the NBA.”

Anderson opted to return to OSU a year ago for another run at the NCAA Tournament, a run he directed this season, leading the Big 12 in scoring on his way to being named the league’s Player of the Year.

Where his draft prospects were more uncertain in 2009, another season with the Cowboys saw his stock rise, with projections placing him on the fringe of the lottery and generally as a mid-first round pick.

“I believe now it’s time for me to test my basketball skills against the best players in the world,” Anderson said. “I have worked hard and improved my ability over the past three years.