The Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kentucky center Marquis Estill will skip his final season and enter the NBA draft.

He averaged 11.6 points and six rebounds this season, starting all 36 games. He helped Kentucky to a 32-4 record and a spot in the regional finals in the NCAA tournament.

"I just decided that this would be in the best interest for me and my family," Estill said Thursday. "It was a tough decision because it has been very special for me to wear that Kentucky uniform."

The 6-foot-9 Estill set a school's career record for field goal percentage, shooting 60.1 percent. He averaged 9.4 points and 4.8 rebounds for his career.

"I have talked to several of my contacts in the NBA, and after his performance down the stretch, many feel confident that he'll likely be drafted," coach Tubby Smith said. "He really wants to concentrate on that goal of playing at the next level, and to do so will not allow him to earn his degree in time to return next season."

The NBA draft is June 26 in New York.