Maryland Terrapins sophomore Chris Wilcox will forego his junior season to enter the NBA Draft, the school announced Monday.

"Chris Wilcox has made a decision to enter the 2002 NBA Draft," said coach Gary Williams. "In college, he has displayed outstanding attitude and character while continuing to improve his game and become a complete player. He has outstanding athletic skills and as a professional, he will continue to develop his outstanding potential."

"Chris was a very important part of our national championship team last season and we wish him continued success in his career," Williams said.

Wilcox, a 6-foot-10 forward, averaged 12 points and 7.9 rebounds in helping Maryland win the national championship. He averaged 13.5 points through six NCAA Tournament games.

After starting the opening game of the season against Arizona, Wilcox came off the bench until the start of the Atlantic Coast Conference schedule on Dec. 30 at N.C. State. Wilcox started the final 25 games of the season as Maryland went 23-2 and won its first outright ACC regular season title since 1980.

Only one starter, point guard Steve Blake, will back for the Terps next season. The team also is losing seniors Juan Dixon, Lonny Baxter and Byron Mouton.