Freshman Andre Drummond arrived at UConn last fall as an NBA prospect. He will leave as a projected lottery pick.

Drummond will enter the 2012 NBA Draft, departing after just one season in Storrs, according to a source and several reports. An official announcement will be made either later today or Friday.

An athletic 6-foot-10, 270-pound center from Middletown, Drummond is the first UConn player to jump to the NBA after his freshman year. He attended St. Thomas More in Oakdale for two seasons before committing to UConn last August.

Drummond had an inconsistent season, averaging 10 points, a team-high 7.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game while appearing in all 34 games, starting 30. He was more a defensive force than offensive weapon. The bulk of his points came off dunks. He converted 53.8 percent from the field but just 29.5 percent from the foul line.

NBA scouts love Drummond’s potential. Most mock drafts predict Drummond will be selected in the top five.

He is the second UConn player this week to turn pro, joining sophomore Jeremy Lamb.

The departure of Drummond and forward-center Alex Oriakhi, who is transferring, leaves the Huskies short-handed in the frontcourt for next season.