LaMarcus Aldridge arrived in Austin with two main goals: He wanted to get started on earning his degree, and he wanted to have the opportunity to play in the NBA.
Monday evening at the Longhorns Basketball Banquet, Aldridge, a sophomore, broke some news that solidified he'd accomplished both feats - he intends to declare himself eligible for the 2006 NBA Draft.
"I've accomplished both of those [goals] and the opportunity is there for me right now to begin the next stage of my basketball career," he said.
Camera bulbs were used until they went out of style as many Longhorn fans paid their final respects for the 6-foot-10 Seagoville, Texas, prodigy who is expected to hear his name called early in the first round. The draft is on June 28 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
"This is my ultimate goal, as a kid, to make it to the NBA," Aldridge said. "I think I had a pretty good year. I am going to miss all the guys, but I think this is the best thing for my family and I."
Aldridge is the fifth Longhorn to leave college early for the NBA, joining LaSalle Thompson, Chris Mihm, Maurice Evans and T.J. Ford.
"I've never been around a player who has wanted to be coached more than LaMarcus," Texas coach Rick Barnes said. "I really appreciate the way he did not allow this decision to become a distraction to himself or to the program throughout the season."
He earned third-team All-American honors from the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year accolade, averaging 15 points, 9.2 rebounds and two blocks per outing.
"I'm happy for him," P.J. Tucker said. "This is a big day for him that he has been dreaming about his whole life. I am very proud of him."
The announcement was virtually no surprise to those who followed his career. Aldridge almost jumped into the NBA out of high school in 2004 before finally committing to Texas.
While he did say that next year's draft, considered to be a stronger draft than this year's, had no baring on his decision to leave early, one element did have a hand in helping him make his decision - the satisfaction that his mother would be taken care of.
"If you go around the room, and you ask any male, I think that is what any male wants to do is to take care of their mom so it is easier for them," Aldridge said. "It is a big plus being in this position to be able to help her out."
Aldridge did confirm that he has begun to look at possible agents. Though he would not specify any particular names, he did say he has limited them to four or five.
"I don't have any regrets," Aldridge said. "This was a great year for Texas basketball."
For now, Tucker is staying put. The Big 12 Player of the Year will likely be defending his crown next season as a Longhorn. According to Tucker, Aldridge's decision to leave early has not played a role in aiding his decision.
"I'd rather not comment on it," Tucker said on Monday. "Right now, I am still at the University of Texas."
Tucker did point to some determining factors that would weigh in this process.
"This is my last year, and I would become a senior and get close to graduating and making a run at a national championship," he said. "Right now I am coming back to the University."
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