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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Wake Forest forward Al-Farouq Aminu has declared for the NBA draft and will hire an agent, ensuring his departure with two years of eligibility remaining.

The 6-foot-9 Aminu averaged 15.8 points and became the first Wake Forest player since Tim Duncan to lead the Atlantic Coast Conference in rebounding at 10.7 per game.

Coach Dino Gaudio said Thursday he did extensive research with NBA executives and believes Aminu is making the right choice. The Norcross, Ga., native is widely projected to be a first-round pick.

Aminu averaged 14.4 points and 9.4 rebounds in 62 college games for the Demon Deacons.