Farmar, Afflalo Weigh NBA

By Steve Springer
Los Angeles Times

UCLA Coach Ben Howland says he will try to call every general manager in the NBA during the next week to gauge interest in his starting guards, sophomores Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo.

"If the feeling is they are top-20 picks, that is something they would have to consider," Howland said. "We always do what is in the best interests of our players. I will meet with them and their families next week [after his GM survey]. Ultimately, Jordan and Arron and their families will make the decision."

Although general managers can't comment publicly on underclassmen, one, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Jordan Farmar is a bubble guy. He might go in the first round, and he might not. Arron Afflalo is a second-round pick.

"Right now, I think Farmar is more advanced than Afflalo. Farmar is a point guard and they are harder to come by. But he has to cut down on his turnovers and work on his shot. They both have a chance to be NBA players as long as they continue to develop, but, personally, I think they should both stay in school right now."

Farmer was non-committal.

"I can't say one way or the other. It may be a possibility," he said of turning pro. "I'm not thinking about it now. I love UCLA. It was a great ride, but it was emotionally and physically draining. It's taken a lot out of all of us."

Asked if agents had tried to contact him, Farmar said, "You wouldn't believe it. They find a way."

(reprinted with permission)

(BruinBasketballReport.com)