Updated

Illinois freshman forward Jereme Richmond is ending his brief, tumultuous Illinois career by leaving school and declaring for the NBA draft.

The school said Tuesday that Richmond is working out in Chicago to get ready for the June 23 draft.

Richmond said he enjoyed his stay at Illinois. He played in 31 games but started just six. He averaged 7.6 points and five rebounds a game.

Illinois coach Bruce Weber called the Waukegan player and former McDonald's All-American "extremely talented" and versatile.

Richmond committed to Illinois as a high school freshman. Since arriving, he's twice been benched over unspecified problems. He sat out both of Illinois' NCAA tournament games this month.