Tony Snell to leave New Mexico, enter NBA Draft, according to report

Lea said the small forward mulled over his decision to leave for the NBA since the Lobos hired Craig Neal to replace departed head coach Steve Alford, but Snell ultimately decided it was best he make his move to the league.

“When (Neal) was hired, it made Tony really take a hard, long look at this decision, but Neal has been great throughout this,” Lea told the Albuquerque Journal. “With the feedback he was getting and providing to Tony and other feedback we’ve heard, Tony is confident with his choice to go to the NBA now.”

Snell believes that he will be selected in the late first round or early second round of the draft. The 6’7, 200 pound junior was projected by DraftExpress as the 38th overall pick in the 2014 draft, while NBADraft.net has Snell going 39th overall (ninth in the second round) in this year’s draft.

As a junior, Snell averaged 12.5 points and 2.9 assists per game. With his most NBA-ready asset coming in his jump shot, Snell led the Lobos with 64 three-pointers this season. His ability to catch and shoot turned in a healthy three-point shooting percentage of 39.

Snell is expected to make a formal announcement of his intentions on Monday afternoon, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

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