9:45am: Beal has made his decision official, informing coach Billy Donovan and the Gators he won't be returning, according to Chris Harry of GatorZone.com.
"It’s my dream and it’s sitting right here in front of me," Beal said. "God has put me in this situation and I have to take advantage of it. I think I’m ready to realize this dream, so now I have to go and pursue it."
7:51am: Freshman guard Bradley Beal will forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility and enter the draft, reports Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com. The Florida Gator, who projects as a potential top-five pick, will announce his decision later this morning, says Goodman.
Beal, who averaged 14.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in Gainesville this season, was said to be on the fence about the decision shortly after the Gators were eliminated from the NCAA tournament. His father Bobby told Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun: "Some people say (leaving) is a no-brainer, but I know that he loves college, loves the atmosphere down there."
Ultimately, the chance to be a lottery pick likely convinced Beal to leave school early. DraftExpress.com calls him the fifth-best prospect in this year's draft, while ESPN.com's Chad Ford ranks him third.
You can check out Hoops Rumors' complete list of early entrants for the 2012 NBA draft here.