Former Gophers basketball recruit and Iowa State star Royce White said Wednesday at a press conference that he will declare for the 2012 NBA Draft.

White led the Cyclones in five categories in 2011-12: points (13.4), rebounds (9.3), assists (5.0), steals (1.2) and blocks. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and was a unanimous selection for Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.

As the No. 8 seed in the NCAA tournament, Iowa State defeated Connecticut in the first round before falling to Kentucky, the tournament's overall No. 1 seed. White had 38 points and 22 rebounds in the two games.

White was expected to join the Gophers in 2009-10 but sat out amid legal issues. He also sat out the 2010-11 season at Iowa State per NCAA transfer rules before playing for the Cyclones in 2011-12.

This year's NBA Draft is scheduled for June 28. White is expected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick.