by Jeff Goodman

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The skilled 6-foot-9 sophomore, who averaged 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds last season for the 'Zags, will sign with an agent and keep his name in for the June 25 NBA Draft.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few confirmed the news to FOXSports.com.

"We're excited for Austin. It's what he wants to do," Few said in a news release. "He was great to coach and was a great teammate. He will be missed."

Daye's father, former NBA player Darren Daye, has been supportive of his son remaining in the draft despite the fact that most NBA executives feel as though Daye isn't quite ready to play at that level due to a lack of strength.

Daye performed poorly on several athletic tests in the NBA's pre-draft camp last month in Chicago. He has worked out for Toronto, Phoenix, Detroit, Minnesota, Charlotte, Golden State and New York.

However, the NBA still drafts on potential, so don't be surprised if Daye ends up being taken in the first round of the draft.

Daye becomes the third Bulldogs player to enter the NBA Draft early, joining Paul Rogers in 1997 and Adam Morrison in 2006. Both left their junior seasons.

Daye's departure is a big blow for Gonzaga, which finished 28-6 and advanced to the round of 16 appearance in the NCAA tournament. Daye would have been the second-leading returning scorer, after Matt Bouldin.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.