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New Mexico Lobos guard Tony Snell made it official at a Monday press conference were he announced he was off to the NBA. Snell made the decision on Friday night and told Craig Neal, but with coach in Atlanta for the Final Four they waited for Monday to announce.
During Snell's announcement he said he felt he had enough information to be confident in leaving New Mexico after getting feedback from Neal and NBA higher ups saying that he will be a late first round or second round pick.
Neal is a former NBA assistant coach and gave Snell an honest answer:
"We gave him the good and the bad news," Neal said. "... Tony is family and Tony has decided this is best for him. We will support him in every way to make this happen."
Snell probably could have used another year in college, especially since he is projected to be an early second round pick which guarantees him nothing. His best move now is to impress the scouts at his individual workouts and the combine.
Here is the press conference of Snell's announcement.
New Mexico still returns four of their starters from this years team, and they are possibly going to land Cullen Neal who is the coaches son and a top 150 recruit in the 2013 class. In total the Lobos have three scholarships to give out for the 2013 season, and look for coach Neal to be on the recruiting trail this week when coaches are able to contact recruits.