Kansas forward Cheick Diallo (13) pulls up for a jumper over TCU forward Vladimir Brodziansky (10) and guard Michael Williams (2) during the second half, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas University freshman forward Cheick Diallo’s mentor told coach Bill Self today that the 6-foot-9 Mali native would declare for the 2016 NBA Draft.

“I spoke with Tidiane (Drame, mentor of Diallo) today. He informed me Cheick plans to declare at this time and not hire an agent,” Self told the Journal-World. “This certainly comes as no surprise,” Self added.

Self had no further comment.

Sources tell the Journal-World that Diallo is expected to stay in the draft.

Under a new NBA rule, players can declare for the draft and, if invited, attend the NBA Combine and also work out with one team. If a player does not sign with an agent, he can withdraw his name from the draft by May 25.

Don’t like what you hear? You have until then to pull out and return to school for the following season. Again, that’s provided you do not hire an agent, which, according to Self, is the route Diallo is going.

DraftExpress.com lists Diallo as the No. 36 pick in its latest 2016 Mock Draft, updated Sunday. The same mock draft lists Selden at No. 41 and Ellis at No. 59. All three are second-round slots.

Self said he had not spoken with Diallo and did not know when he would speak with various players about their plans.

“I’ve got to go to Houston for the Final Four,” Self said. “I don’t know if anything will be done in the next few days.”