Syracuse freshman Tyler Ennis will forgo the rest of his college career and declare for the 2014 NBA Draft, his father and former AAU coach Tony McIntyre told The Daily Orange on Thursday afternoon.

SU Athletics later released a statement confirming Ennis’ decision.

“I’d like to thank Coach (Jim) Boeheim, the coaching staff, my teammates and the amazing fans of Syracuse for the opportunity to play at a great university like Syracuse,” Ennis said in a statement released by SU Athletics. “I feel this experience has helped prepare me to fulfill my lifelong dream — to play in the NBA.”

Ennis started all 34 games for the Orange this season, averaging 12.9 points and 5.5 assists per game. He was a driving factor in SU’s program-best 25-0 start and hit arguably the best shot in program history when he connected on a 35-foot buzzer-beating heave to push Syracuse past Pittsburgh on Feb. 12.

Throughout the season, Ennis’ draft stock has gradually risen. He’s currently projected as the 14th overall pick by DraftExpress.com and 18th by NBADraft.net. ESPN’s Chad Ford projects Ennis as the No. 8 pick.

Ennis becomes the third player in SU history to leave after their freshman year, following Carmelo Anthony (2003) and Donte Greene (2008).

The guard’s departure will leave Syracuse with its fourth different starting point guard in four years. Incoming freshman Kaleb Joseph, a four-star recruit and the No. 65 player in the Class of 2014, will likely replace Ennis in the starting lineup next season.