Lawrence, KS (U-WIRE) -- Kansas may have just been hit by the NBA phenomenon.

After all the talk about how players come to Kansas and don't leave early, Micah Downs of Seattle has declared that he will enter the 2005 NBA draft. Downs is the fourth-best small forward, according to Rivals.com.

The Seattle Times reported Friday that Downs had been lured to the NBA by the chance at a guaranteed three-year contract for about $7 million, if he is selected as a lottery pick.

"This is the chance of a lifetime," Downs told the Times. "How can I turn this down?"

Downs was part of a star-studded recruiting class which Rivals.com ranked as the fourth-best in the country and the second best in the Big 12. The best recruiting class in the Big 12, according to Rivals, belongs to Oklahoma State.

According to the Times' story, the Downs family has not notified Kansas or coach Bill Self. Downs will also not sign with an agent, in order to preserve his collegiate eligibility should he not go in the lottery round.

"We're still talking to people to figure out what we can and cannot do," Steven Downs said to the Times. "But make no mistake, Micah is firmly committed to going to the NBA next year. This is his dream."

(C) 2004 University Daily Kansan via U-WIRE