DeMar DeRozan to declare for the NBA draft

USC forward DeMar DeRozan will declare his intent to enter the NBA draft, his father, Frank DeRozan, said this evening.

DeRozan will not sign with an agent, leaving the door open for him to return to USC.

"He's torn between going into the draft and staying at USC," Frank DeRozan said. "He wants to stay, but his mom is real sick."

Diane DeRozan, his mother, suffers from Lupus.

DeRozan, a 6-foot-7 forward with tremendous leaping ability, is projected to go as early as with the 10th pick in the first round, according to NBA mock drafts. He averaged 13.9 points in 35 games this season, helping the Trojans reach the second round of the NCAA tournament.

DeRozan's draft status improved considerably in the final month, as he became a more effective player in the Trojans' half court offense. He averaged 19 points in the last seven games and was selected the most valuable player in the Pacific 10 Conference tournament, won by the Trojans.

But his family's health issues out-weighed the desire to return to USC, his father said.

"This way he can get the insurance his mother needs," Frank DeRozan said. "He's putting his name in to see how things will look."

By not signing with an agent, DeRozan can maintain his amateur status.

If he turns pro, he will be the third one-and-done player the Trojans have had in the last two seasons. O.J. Mayo and Davon Jefferson both left last year after their freshman seasons. Mayo, who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, is one of the NBA's top rookies. Jefferson was not drafted.

The Trojans could also lose junior forward Taj Gibson and junior guard Daniel Hackett.

Wilbert Gibson said his son probably would make a decision next week. Players have until April 26 to declare for the NBA draft.

chris.foster@latimes.com