By Marcus Fuller

Star Tribune

Gophers sophomore center Daniel Oturu has declared for the NBA Draft, a source familiar with his decision confirmed Monday to the Star Tribune.

Oturu, an All-American and All-Big Ten performer, averaged 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks this season for the Gophers. The former Cretin-Derham Hall standout is a projected first-round pick, according to several draft sites.

Minnesota coach Richard Pitino has kept in touch with Oturu to talk about the draft process. The 6-10, 240-pound Woodbury native is requesting feedback from the NBA Underclassmen Advisory Committee on his draft stock.

“My message to Daniel is to go through the process, gather the information and make an informed decision for what’s best for himself and his family,” Pitino said earlier this month.

Oturu follows in the footsteps of former Gophers and Hopkins guard Amir Coffey, who declared early for the NBA draft last year. Coffey went undrafted after bypassing his senior year of college, but he signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

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