CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Guard Roger Mason Jr., who led Virginia in scoring as a junior last season, is entering the NBA draft.

"This decision was made based on information suggesting that now is the optimal time for me to begin pursuing my chosen profession," Mason said in a statement distributed Monday by the university.

Mason could still return for his senior year if he is dissatisfied with his draft position, but he sounded certain that he has played his last game for the Cavaliers.

"Though I am leaving the university's basketball team, I fully intend to pursue my degree at the University of Virginia," he said. "I feel confident in my ability to play at the next level and I look forward to the challenges ahead."

The 6-foot-5 player from Silver Spring, Md., averaged 18.6 points, third-best in he Atlantic Coast Conference last season. He was second in the ACC in free-throw shooting at 88.1 percent and was a second-team All-ACC selection.

"We want what is best for Robert Mason Jr.," Virginia coach Pete Gillen said.

"He is keeping his options open and I'm confident that he'll make the right decision based on what's best for him and his family."

Mason is a natural shooting guard but also played some point guard for Virginia, which was ranked as high as No. 4 before losing 10 of its last 13 games and finishing 17-12.