Houston ? Texas sophomore All-America point guard T.J. Ford plans to make himself available for the NBA draft, according to reports Tuesday night.

Houston television station KRIV and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that sources close to the Longhorns program said Ford would hold a news conference this week to make it official. KRIV reported the news conference would be Thursday in Austin.

“I cannot confirm that for you,” Texas basketball spokesman Scott McConnell told the Associated Press on Tuesday night. “He has not informed us of any decision.”

“He has to go,” the Star-Telegram quoted its source as saying. “He’s going to be a top 10 pick. After the season he’s had, he could only hurt (his standing) by staying another year.”