The Kansas Jayhawks' breakout center Joel Embiid has put an end to the speculation and announced his declaration for the NBA Draft.

According to ESPN, unnamed sources said Minnesota Timberwolves forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, a fellow Cameroon native, advised the young center to declare. A Moute's main argument was that he was bound to be a high draft pick and another year in college would do no good for his draft stock or for his back.

"I just want to thank the coaching staff, my teammates, the fans, my mentor, everybody that has helped me through my journey," Embiid said in a news conference Wednesday, joined by Kansas coach Bill Self.

Embiid is certainly the most highly regarded big man prospect in the draft. As a seven-foot true center, Embiid averaged 11 points, eight rebounds and two-and-a-half blocks per game for the Jayhawks.

"Hakeem Olajuwon called me and I talked to him a little bit. I talked to Luc, my mentor. I talked to Nicolas Batum from the Portland Trail Blazers," Embiid said. "They didn't tell me what to do, they just gave me the advantages and disadvantages."

In an updated big board, ESPN insider Chad Ford ranked third behind Kansas teammate Andrew Wiggins and Duke's Jabari Parker - should he decide to declare. The next big man is Kentucky's Julius Randle, who is more of a power forward.

Even with back trouble limiting him at the end of the season, Embiid is far and away the consensus top-pick among centers and power forwards. In a draft expected to be deep in forwards and guards, Embiid could even rise to the all-around number-one pick if the right team draws the first pick in the lottery.

As for his back, all indications are that it is fine. The young center did not play in either the Big 12 or NCAA Tournaments may have even provided extra rest.

"My back is fine," Embiid said. "I'm close to being 100 percent."

Related