Marquette's Henry Ellenson declares for NBA Draft

Henry Ellenson had one of the best freshmen seasons in Marquette Golden Eagles history.

Instead of looking to build upon that success in Milwaukee next season, Ellenson will be doing it for an NBA team, as it has been reported that he is forgoing his remaining three years of eligibility at Marquette in favor of the NBA Draft.

Marquette freshman Henry Ellenson will declare for the NBA Draft and sign with an agent, source told ESPN. No surprise

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) April 4, 2016

Ellenson, who averaged 17.0 points and 9.7 rebounds per game this season, was the Big East Freshman of the Year. He is currently projected as the ninth overall pick in DraftExpress' 2016 Mock Draft. The mock has Ellenson, coincidentally, being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Ellenson is the fourth Big East player to declare for the NBA Draft so far this offseason, joining Seton Hall's Isaiah Whitehead, and Providence's Ben Bentil and Kris Dunn, though Whitehead and Bentil did not hire agents.

Ellenson likely will not become the highest draft selection in Marquette history, as Dwyane Wade went fifth overall in 2003, but he should become the first Golden Eagle taken in the first round since Jimmy Butler went 30th in 2011.

Update (4/5, 5:30 PM): Ellenson has made it official.

I, officially announce that I will be entering the NBA Draft, and hiring an Agent. This has been my dream ever since I fell in love with the game growing up in Rice Lake. Without the love and support of my Mom, Dad, brothers-Wally and Ellwood, and sister, Ella, this opportunity would not be possible. I want to thank Coach Wojo and the rest of the coaching staff at Marquette for the help they have given me to grow as a player and as a person. I would also like to thank President Dr. Lovell, Athletic Director, Dr. Scholl, Academic Advisors, Adrienne, Katie, and Meryl, Strength Coach Todd, Trainer Yoder, and the office personnel and managers for all their support. In addition, I want to thank my teammates for their trust and friendship we have built over this last year as a brotherhood; I know these bonds will last a lifetime. Furthermore, I would like to thank the fans for their unwavering support for the team throughout the season. Lastly, I will like to thank my entire family for continuing to inspire me to do great things, and letting me know there are no limits to what I can do.

A photo posted by Henry Ellenson (@henryellenson13) on Apr 5, 2016 at 2:28pm PDT

UPDATE DOS: Marquette has made this official via a release and tweet.

Best of luck to @HenryEllenson13, who will enter the @NBADraft in June! #mubb @BIGEASTMBB https://t.co/EPMsJOxpyD pic.twitter.com/pns7E8yjyB

— MarquetteMBB (@MarquetteMBB) April 5, 2016