UCLA point guard Farmar decides to remain in NBA Draft

LOS ANGELES -- UCLA guard Jordan Farmar confirmed his decision to remain in the NBA Draft Sunday, a move that will split up the Bruins' backcourt duo of Farmar and Arron Afflalo.

Afflalo announced Saturday that he had withdrawn his name from the June 28 draft. He did not hire an agent, so he will return for his junior season.

The deadline to withdraw was Sunday.

"It was really tough. It went down to the wire," Farmar said. "There were so many positives both ways."

Farmar said he plans to hire an agent within days. He worked out for five NBA teams, including Sacramento and New Jersey.

"I feel like I'm ready mentally. I know I can play at that level against anybody," he said during a conference call. "I've got nothing but positive feedback from many of the teams. My lifelong dream has been to play in the NBA."

Farmar said he surprised teams with his strength.

"At 170 pounds, they thought I would be a lot weaker than I was. I tested at the top of the charts in just about everything," he said.

He declined to say whether any team had guaranteed taking him in the first round. Second-round picks do not receive guaranteed contracts.

"I'm mentally prepared if that happens," he said.

Farmar and Afflalo led the Bruins to a runner-up finish to Florida in the national championship game after helping them win the Pac-10 regular-season and tournament titles.

Afflalo and Farmar, the Bruins' co-captains, shared the John Wooden Award as the team's most valuable players this season. UCLA finished 32-7, tying a school record for most wins.

Farmar was the second-leading scorer at 13.5 points and led the Pac-10 in assists.

"I'm proud and excited about all the great play he brought to UCLA," coach Ben Howland said. "We are totally supportive of his decision."

Howland said sophomore-to-be Darren Collison would replace Farmar as the Bruins' starting point guard.