After nearly a week of speculation, UA junior forward Richard Jefferson formally declared for the NBA Draft late Saturday.

While Jefferson's offensive numbers were down this season (11.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists), his maturation into one of the nation's best defensive players coupled with a strong NCAA Tournament showing helped his professional stock rise.

"It has been a lifelong dream of mine to play in the NBA, and I feel like the time is right for me to go," Jefferson said in a statement released by the UA Sports Information Department. "I have enjoyed every minute as a member of this program."

Jefferson did not return phone messages left by the Wildcat.