LAWRENCE, Kan. -- The uncertainty, it turns out, was only in the minds of all those hopeful fans who were wishing Drew Gooden would stay.

The All-America forward pretty much knew in January what he finally announced on Friday, that he would forgo his senior season at Kansas and apply for the NBA draft.

"There was a stretch where everything just clicked for me and it seemed to become easier," said the 6-foot-10 Gooden, who led the Big 12 in scoring (19.8) and rebounding (11.4). "That's when I knew I was one of the top players in the country. And I just took it from there."

During that span, when he scored 20 or more points in eight of 10 games, Gooden played at times "as well as any player I've ever coached," said Kansas' Roy Williams.

Gooden's decision will have repercussions throughout the Big 12 and on the national scene as well. If he had stayed, the Jayhawks would have possibly gone into next season ranked No. 1, minus only one starter from the 33-4 team that went unbeaten in the Big 12, then lost to Maryland in the Final Four.

"This is a dream of mine," said the 20-year-old California native.

"And it's so close to coming true and I want it so bad. I just want to end it there. My decision is to enter the draft and it's not a bad one. It should be only good for me and my family and the school."

Williams, sitting beside him, appeared to become emotional when Gooden disclosed that he had broken with Kansas tradition and told his coach in person that he was leaving rather than giving him the news by phone.

Williams had always asked undergraduates to tell him by phone if they were leaving early, figuring that would make it easier for them.

"I didn't want to do it over the phone," Gooden said. "The emotional bond is not really there over the phone. I don't think I would have been able to sleep at night knowing I had told him that I was leaving over the phone. I had to tell Coach Williams, who's been a big part of my life, face-to-face."

Gooden made the final decision earlier this week after Williams got nothing but positive feedback from 12 NBA teams he contacted to gauge their interest in his prize junior.

"It was all very positive," Williams said. "The general consensus is Drew would be in the top half of the lottery. There weren't any negative things whatsoever. It was one of those things, you're going to be rich or you're going to be real rich."

Williams also took aim at any fans who might be upset with Gooden for leaving them on the verge of fielding one of their greatest teams ever.

"We talk so much around here about the Kansas basketball family -- how can you not be happy for somebody in your family realizing one of their dreams?" Williams asked.

"I am very sad I'm not going to coach Drew any more. But that's it. I'm happy for him. I'm proud of him. He may have come as far as any player I've ever coached in three years. It's been a joy to coach him."

Gooden admitted his game will need adjustment in the NBA.

"I'm not saying I'm ready to step on the court and average 20 and 10 right away like I left off in college," he said. "I mean, that would be great. But I want to work hard every day and keep myself disciplined."

He also said he plans to return to Kansas and get his degree.

"I'll always be grateful and I will always be a Jayhawk in my heart," he said.

"Playing under Coach Williams, I learned a lot, starting from the first day I set foot on campus to the last game against Maryland. A young boy turned into a young man."