Texas Longhorns Gibson Opts for NBA Draft

6/17/2006 Houston -- Texas guard Daniel Gibson said he will leave the Longhorns after two seasons to enter the NBA draft. "I've decided I am going to pursue my dream and go after trying to make an NBA roster," Gibson told KRIV-TV on Saturday.

Gibson had already submitted his name for the draft but had not signed with an agent. Sunday is the last day for him to withdraw. "I sat down with my family," he said. "It's something we talked about numerous times. We came to the decision that this is what we want to do."

Gibson's departure will leave the Longhorns without a returning starter from last season's team that won a school record 30 games and reached the Atlanta Regional final in the NCAA tournament. Seniors Kenton Paulino and Brad Buckman used up their eligibility and underclassmen LaMarcus Aldridge, Gibson and P.J. Tucker, the Big 12 player of the year, have entered the NBA draft.

Gibson averaged 13.4 points per game in his sophomore season with the Longhorns.

(Contributed by AP)