Advertisement

Brazil's Lucas Nogueira declares for NBA draft

Brazilian 7-footer Lucas Nogueira has decided to enter the June NBA draft, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Nogueira, 20, possesses a 7-6 wingspan and has been an intriguing prospect to NBA executives for several years. He is considered  a potential first-round pick.

The center entered his name into the 2011 draft but withdrew before the deadline. The rules don't allow for a player to do that a second time, so Nogueira is committed to this year's draft after declaring.

Nogueira played for Estudiantes in the elite Spanish ACB League this season. His athleticism has been a striking element of his game, and Nogueira's offensive abilities have shown improvement as he's gained strength and polish.

[Also: Michigan's Tim Hardaway Jr. will enter NBA draft]

Nogueira made a strong initial impression on pro executives with a spectacular performance at the under-18 FIBA championships in San Antonio in 2011.

DraftExpress.com rates him as the fourth-best international prospect in his age group behind three former lottery picks – Toronto's Jonas Valanciunas, Charlotte's Bismack Biyombo and Utah's Enes Kanter.

More NBA coverage from Yahoo! Sports:

Other popular content on Yahoo! Sports:
Bostonians showing resilience day after tragic marathon bombing
James Michael McAdoo’s return boosts North Carolina’s hoops title hopes
Pat Summerall, broadcasting legend, passes away at age 82 | Slideshow