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Zags’ shot-blocking Clarke to enter NBA draft

Brandon Clarke, Freddie Gillespie, Jared Butler

Gonzaga forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks on Baylor’s Freddie Gillespie (33) as Jared Butler (12) watches during the first half of a second-round game in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

AP

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Gonzaga forward Brandon Clarke, who led the nation in blocked shots this season, plans to skip his senior year and enter the NBA draft. Clarke is No. 12 in the ESPN rankings of top NBA prospects.

Under new NCAA rules, the junior can sign with an agent and still return to school if he chooses. Clarke has until May 29 to make a final decision.

Clarke’s 117 blocks were the most in the country. He averaged 16.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in his first season with Gonzaga after transferring from San Jose State. Clarke also led the nation in field goal shooting percentage (68.7).

Earlier this week, Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura also said he would skip his senior year to enter the draft.