Apr 15, 2014 02:58 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Gary Harris, Michigan State's standout guard, has confirmed he will forgo two years of college eligibility to declare for the NBA Draft this June.

According to the Detroit Free Press, even Spartans coach Tom Izzo believed his six-foot-four shooting guard should go pro. Unnamed sources had previously stated Harris was going to declare, but he had not confirmed until now. He also considered leaving Michigan State after his freshman season.

"Just like last season, I had to make a tough decision," Harris said in a statement. "There hasn't been a single day where I regretted my decision to return for my sophomore season. It was the right decision for me and I'm better prepared for a successful NBA career because of it."

Harris issued his announcement through the school and his parents said they were appreciative of Izzo for "all the support." Speaking at the school's academic gala Monday Harris said he will return to finish his degree, but that the call to go pro was a "hard decision."

Harris is the third player from a Spartans team that made it to the Elite Eight only to lose to the eventual champions, UConn. Seniors Keith Appling and Adreian Payne are also going to declare for the draft and juniors Branden Dawson, Russell Byrd and Alex Guana could depart as well.

ESPN ranks Harris as the second-best shooting guard only to Kansas' Andrew Wiggins, who could also be considered a small forward. Harris is also ranked 10th overall and is considered a lock to be a lottery first round pick.

"Not only do I fully support and celebrate Gary's decision, but after my information gathering process, I recommend it," Izzo said in a statement. "I expect Gary to be a high pick in the draft, but more importantly, I know that he is well prepared for a long career."

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