Georgia Tech's Lawal to enter NBA draft

ATLANTA -- Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal says he is skipping his senior season to enter the NBA draft.

Lawal helped lead Georgia Tech to the second round of the NCAA tournament. He returned for his junior season after considering his NBA options last year.

Lawal says he is "ready to take the next step" in his career. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds this season. He was third in the Atlantic Coast Conference in rebounds.

Georgia Tech freshman Derrick Favors is a probable top-five pick but has not announced his plans for the NBA draft.