Seattle Prep’s Webster skips UW for pro draft

SEATTLE — High school star Martell Webster has hired an agent, giving up his college eligibility and a chance to play at the University of Washington.

Webster released a statement saying he signed with agents Arn Tellem, Bob Myers and Chris Luchey of SFX Sports Management.

“I chose these gentlemen because of their professionalism, integrity and excellent track record,” Webster said in the statement issued Tuesday.

Webster, a 6-foot-7 guard projected as a lottery pick in the June 28 draft, signed a letter of intent with Washington.

Webster averaged 27.7 points and 10 rebounds last season for Seattle Prep. He was selected to play in two top tournaments – the McDonald’s All-America game and the Jordan Classic.

Webster is the second prep player from Washington state to be named to Parade Magazine’s All-America first team. Marvin Williams, who also declared for the draft after one season at North Carolina, was the first.

Washington coach Lorenzo Romar acknowledged there was risk in recruiting Webster, but did not regret the decision.

“We knew it was going to be a high potential of something like this happening,” Romar told The Seattle Times. “We knew if he wanted to go that he would have the opportunity. It was just whether he would take it or not.”

Earlier this spring, Washington’s Nate Robinson declared for the draft after his junior season.