INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- DeAngelo Collins became the first high school player to declare for this year's NBA draft, making the announcement Wednesday at Inglewood High School, where he averaged 28 points and 18 rebounds in his career.

The 6-foot-10, 230-pound Collins, 18, will be represented by Immortal Sports of Santa Monica, thus ending any chance of his playing college basketball. The NCAA recently changed its eligibility rules so that a high school player could be drafted, then decide to play in college, provided he did not sign with an agent.

"I have spent a tremendous amount of time thinking this decision through with my family and coaches and believe that my ability to pursue this dream will be achieved," Collins said at a news conference in the gym where he played his high school home games.

"I am aware and fully understand the consequences of not committing to a college experience at this time in my life. I am completely dedicated to my sport and hope to make great marks in the future with the NBA."

Last season, six high school players declared for the draft. Four -- Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry and DeSagana Diop -- were taken among the first eight picks.

Amare Stoudemire, a 6-10 forward from Orlando, Fla., is another high school player who may declare for the draft, but he has yet to announce his intentions. He and Collins were among the 24 players selected for this year's McDonald's All-America High School Game.

Players have until May 12 to apply for the draft, which will be conducted June 26.

Collins was selected the MVP of the 2002 ABCD basketball camp. Among the past MVPs of the summer camp is Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who also went straight from high school to the NBA.