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After much speculation, Michael Carter-Williams will leave Syracuse two years early and declare for the 2013 NBA draft. 

The official Twitter account of Syracuse Athletics broke the news:

Carter-Williams averaged 11.9 points, 7.3 assists and 2.7 steals per game this season. This was a huge jump from a year ago as the talented point guard only managed 2.7 points per game in limited minutes during the 2011-12 season.

His skill on both ends of the court was a major factor in the Orange’s surprising run to the Final Four as a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament. 

While he struggled at times as a shooter (29.4 percent from three-point range), scouts love his size at 6'6" and his court vision.

According to ESPN NBA draft expert Chad Ford, he is the No. 9 prospect available in the 2013 class. He is the third-best point guard behind Marcus Smart and Trey Burke.

Considering the constant need among NBA teams for quality point guards, Carter-Williams is likely to be selected in the lottery.

The guard leaves Syracuse relatively barren next season. With seniors Brandon Triche and James Southerland leaving the program as well, the Orange will be without three of its top four scorers from last season.

This will likely force incoming freshman point guard Tyler Ennis into a bigger role in his first collegiate season. 

Still, Jim Boeheim is known for his consistency, and he should be able to field a quality team once again next season regardless of who is on the roster.

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