Israeli forward Deni Avdija declares for 2020 NBA Draft

The 6ft 9in Avdija made his announcement on ESPN on Thursday, saying: "First of all, the NBA is the best league in the world. There is a lot to learn over there and a lot of experience there.

"It's going to be great to take my game to the next level."

Avdija plays professionally in the EuroLeague and Israeli league for Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The 19-year-old forward combined to average 7.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 19.8 minutes per game last season.

Deni Avdija declares for the @NBADraft pic.twitter.com/Ch8RzNV5yA

— Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) April 16, 2020

Avdija was named MVP of the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship after leading Israel to the gold medal while averaging 18.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.4 blocks and 2.1 steals.

Brad Greenberg, head coach of Maccabi Ashdod in the Israeli league, told the New York Post that Avdija "made some significant jumps this year".

“This a guy if he continues to get better like he did the last eight to 10 months, if he keeps that upwardness, he's going to be a player,” Greenberg said.