Apr 28, 2014 10:25 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Jordan Adams will not return to UCLA, despite what the school previously announced, and will instead declare for the NBA Draft.

UCLA head coach Steve Alford confirmed to ESPN Adams' change of mind, but said he did not know what caused it. He will now join teammates Kyle Anderson and Zach LaVine in May's draft.

"I don't know why," Alford told ESPN. "We lose four of five starters."

A six-foot-five, 220-pound shooting guard, Adams joins a deep class of guard/forward hybrids, but is a borderline pick to be taken either late in the late first or early in the second round. ESPN's draft evaluators say he is a "strong finisher at the basket" and a "big time scorer" with "deep [shooting] range."

Adams averaged 17.4 points per game in his sophomore season after averaging 15.4 as a freshman. He also improved on his rebounds, field goal percentage, three-point percentage and assists.

Still, the evaluators say Adams shows weaknesses in his athleticism, conditioning and defense. Not helping his case are the plethora of first-round options at his position. Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker are consensus choices to be picked within the first three selections, but others such as James Young, Doug McDermott, Gary Harris and Cleanthony Early are bound to be lottery picks.

Adams' size will at least force teams to consider him. If defense can be taught, Adams is a prime candidate to learn and his large frame, combined with his knack for scoring, will make him an intriguing choice for teams selecting later in the draft.

"Jordan informed us yesterday that he has decided to enter this year's NBA Draft," Alford said in a statement. "He had two terrific seasons while at UCLA. I enjoyed coaching him this past season and wish him and his family all the best."

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit