SYRACUSE -- Sophomore guard Dion Waiters will leave Syracuse University and declare for the NBA Draft, the school confirmed Monday.

Waiters came off the bench for Jim Boeheim's Orange this season and was second on the team in scoring, averaging 12.6 points per game.

The announcement comes after Syracuse's loss to Ohio State in the East Regional Final in Boston Saturday.

"I want to thank my coaches and my teammates. I've had an amazing experience at Syracuse University," Waiters said.  "I also want to thank all the Syracuse basketball fans. They are the best in college basketball."

The Philadelphia native said playing in the NBA has always been his dream -- and he plans on signing with an agent.