Oklahoma sophomore guard Willie Warren, as expected, is leaving early for the NBA.
The 6-foot-3 Warren will sign with an agent and forgo his final two seasons in Norman. The formal announcement came in a news release from the university Thursday.
"This was a stressful decision and one that I've been stuck in the middle on for a little while,'' Warren said. "I didn't like how things went this year with my injury and everything, but I also feel like I have the skills to take the next step. Some of the things I need to work on like being a better leader and being more vocal are things I can do at the next level.''
Warren was expected to have a huge season after the loss of National Player of Year Blake Griffin, but he was unable to shoulder leadership duties and the Sooners struggled to a 13-18 record this past season.
Warren averaged 16.3 points per game, but he clashed with Sooners coach Jeff Capel and also missed 10 games due to injury and sickness.
"I'm very happy for Willie and definitely think he's ready for the next level,'' Capel said in a statement. "I appreciate everything he's done for our program and look forward to watching another Sooner in the NBA.''
Warren was believed to be a lottery pick entering the season, but several NBA executives have told FOXSports.com that it’s unlikely he will be taken in the lottery.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
