Utah center Jakob Poeltl declares for NBA draft

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah center Jakob Poeltl is leaving school to enter the NBA draft.

He made his plans known Wednesday during a news conference at the Utah basketball practice facility.

Poeltl was named a second-team All-American and was the Pac-12 Player of the Year. He ranked No. 2 in the Pac-12 with 17.2 points per game, No. 4 with 9.1 rebounds per game and No. 1 with a 64.6 shooting percentage.

Poeltl almost left after his freshman year, but said he has no regrets in staying for his sophomore season.

The Utes advanced to the Sweet 16 during his freshman year and Poeltl retued despite being expected to be a first-round pick. He is now projected as a lottery pick.

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