Anderson to Stay in 2008 NBA Draft

After declaring himself eligible for the 2008 NBA Draft on April 3 without hiring an agent, forward Ryan Anderson has decided to remain in the pool and forgo his two years of eligibility left at Cal.

The first-team All-Pac-10 sophomore ends his decorated time with the Bears on career per-game averages of 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds.

"This decision was the hardest I've maybe ever had to make," Anderson said in a statement. "Basically, the tipping point was my parents. They had a lot of supportive comments to say, and whatever I want is what they want. Ultimately, with all the feedback we gathered, these teams were telling me pretty consistently that I was going to a 17-25 pick."

Anderson said that the decision came down to the eleventh hour.

But unlike teammate DeVon Hardin, who withdrew from the 2007 NBA Draft to play his final season at Cal, Anderson will be banking on his stellar 2007-08 campaign-during which he won the conference scoring crown with 21.1 points a night-to land him in a favorable situation.

"We talked about it a lot (Sunday) about my decision," Anderson said. "We went back and forth like crazy because I keep hearing that either would be a good decision. It was just really tough for me. I just prayed about it and slept on it."

"This morning it was clear to me that the NBA is something I should go for."

The forward's departure serves as a clear earmark to the start of the Montgomery era for the Bears, who lose both their frontcourt starters to this year's draft.

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