Gators' Miller Going Pro

April 20, 2000 / 5:00 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Sophomore Mike Miller, who helped lead Florida to its first NCAA Championship game, will apply for early entry into the NBA draft.

Miller had been weighing whether to return to Florida next season or enter the draft since the Gators' 89-76 loss to Michigan State on April 3.

Miller said he made "the hardest decision of his life" after a late night meeting with Florida head coach Billy Donovan.

"We went over some things at his house late last night and we just came to the conclusion that this is the best thing for me right now," Miller said at a news conference. "This is a challenge that I'm ready to take on."

The forward averaged 14.1 points a game last season and led the team in rebounding in Southeastern Conference games. In his two year-collegiate career, Miller averaged 13.3 points and six rebounds a game.

The 6-foot-8, 218-pounder from Mitchell, S.D., is one of only two players in Florida history to lead the team in scoring in both his freshman and sophomore years.

Many close to Miller expected him to enter the draft early after the team's run through the NCAA tourney. Miller struggled in the championship game, shooting just two of five from the field for 10 points.

"This is a team that has been very special to me and I think we've done a lot of things that people didn't expect us to do," Miller said. "So it makes the decision tough."

Donovan supported Miller's decision, but maintained that he believed Miller needed one more year to become physically stronger for the rigors of an 82-game NBA schedule.

Miller said he had a conversation with Magic Johnson after the Final Four. Johnson told him it would be in his best interest to return to Florida.

However, Donovan said he and Miller spoke with several sources about the NBA and draft experts have and NBA franchises have projected Miller to land between No. 7 and No. 13 in the June 26th NBA Draft.

"The biggest questions I asked these guys was, 'Is he making a mistake by leaving early?"' Donovan said. "Not one guy told me he is making a mistake and that's why I think the decision is so hard."

Miller said he will remain in Gainesville to finish the semester and work out with Donovan in preparation for the NBA.

Underclassmen have until June 21 to remove themselves from the draft and maintain college eligibility, unless they sign with a sports agent. Miller has not yet selected an agent.