Missouri's White To Enter Draft

April 22, 1999 / 10:27 PM EDT / AP

The Missouri Tigers are losing one star, but may be gaining another.

All-Big 12 forward Albert White said on Thursday that he's skipping his senior year at Missouri to enter the NBA draft.

"I considered many factors such as my achievements to date, my abilities compared to potential players entering this year's draft, and my personal situation, having a young daughter to take care of," White said at a news conference in Inkster, his hometown. "I believe I am both physically and mentally prepared to play professional basketball."

White, a 6-5 forward, averaged 16.3 points and 8.7 rebounds a game. He helped lead Missouri to a 20-9 record and the team's first NCAA Tournament bid since 1995.

White led the Tigers in scoring, rebounding and assists, becoming the first player in school history to lead Missouri in all three categories.

"I truly believe that I have the total package to not only be drafted, but to contribute in a positive way to whatever team I become a member of," White said.

Missouri athletic director Mike Alden and coach Quin Snyder both wished White well.

"In the end, we want what's best for Albert," said Snyder, who took over at Missouri following the retirement of Norm Stewart earlier this month. "He has made a decision that begins the next stage of his life, and we support him in that decision."

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Kansas City high school standout Kareem Rush of Pembroke Hill Academy has apparently chosen to play at Missouri. The paper said an announcement is expected on Friday.

Rush, a 6-6 forward, was the Kansas City Star's area player of the year. He helped lead Pembroke to the last three Missouri Class 2A championships and was heavily recruited by UCLA, where his brother, JaRon Rush, plays. Rush would become Snyder's first signee.