Longhorns' Brown going pro

Texas guard J'Covan Brown has decided to skip his senior season and will enter the NBA Draft.

Brown led the Big 12 in scoring this past season, averaging 20.1 points in 34 games. He also shot 36.9 percent from three-point range and pulled down 3.4 rebounds per contest.

The All-Big 12 First-Team selection said Monday he would return to finish his degree, but added that it was time to provide for his daughter.

"It was always my dream to be a Longhorn, and I have lived that dream and become a better person," said the Port Arthur, Texas native. "There were a lot of reasons to come back to school next year, most importantly getting my degree and being around my teammates every day. But the time has come for me to pursue a career in professional basketball and take care of my daughter, Jordyn."

Brown started nine of the 33 games he played as a freshman when he averaged 9.6 points, and came off the bench in all 36 games during his sophomore season when he averaged 10.4 points.

"Our staff wishes J'Covan and his family nothing but success as he moves forward," said Texas head coach Rick Barnes. "We've literally seen J'Covan grow up and mature before our eyes over the last three years here, and we are proud of the man that he has become. We respect his decision and understand his need to provide for his daughter."

The Longhorns were 20-14 this season, ending the campaign with a loss to Cincinnati in their NCAA Tournament opener.