Two Bruins Enter NBA Draft

May 1, 2000 / 10:11 PM EDT / CBS/AP

UCLA sophomores Jerome Moiso and JaRon Rush informed the school Monday that they will enter the NBA draft.

Moiso, a 6-foot-10 swingman, was the Bruins' leading rebounder last season, averaging 7.6 a game, and was second in scoring at 13.0 points.

A native of Guadeloupe, West Indies, Moiso played in all 33 games and had 10 double-doubles.

"This was a difficult decision for me," Moiso said in a statement released by UCLA. "Playing in the NBA has been a goal of mine and I feel this is the time for me to take the next step."

Rush, a 6-foot-7 forward, was suspended by the NCAA for 24 games for taking improper payments from an AAU coach in his native Kansas City, Mo.

When Rush returned to the lineup late in the season, he helped the Bruins, who were in danger of not making the NCAA tournament, close the regular season strong and then advance to the third round where they were beaten by Iowa State.

Rush, who played in the first three games of the season before being suspended, averaged 12.1 points and 5.7 rebounds for the season as the Bruins finished 21-12.

He also said the decision to leave UCLA was a difficult one.

"However, at this point in time, this is the decision that is best for my family and me," Rush said.

UCLA coach Steve Lavin, attending a Pac-10 coaches' meeting in Phoenix, said in a statement: "We certainly wish Jerome and JaRon good luck as they pursue their dream.

"While we would love for them to stay and play for our team next season, these two young men have evaluated their individual situations and have made the decisions they feel are best for them."