Collison To Make Decision On NBA
By Diane Pucin
Los Angeles Times
[reprinted with permission]
Sophomore point guard to make an announcement Wednesday about making
himself eligible for the NBA draft. His mother quits her job to help
with the decision.
UCLA point guard Darren Collison said Monday night that he would have
an announcement about his future basketball plans Wednesday.
Collison's mother, June Griffith-Collison, submitted her resignation
Monday as director of San Bernardino County's Regional Medical Center
and in a news release said one reason was to help her son with his
decision making. However, she said Monday night her resignation should
not be taken as a sign that Collison would leave school for the NBA.
"Not at all," she said. "It's just the job has gotten more demanding
and this time is short to spend with my son. I even missed an NCAA game
[UCLA against Pittsburgh] because I couldn't get away. Those moments
are precious."
After an eye-opening sophomore season where Collison stepped in for
Jordan Farmar and piloted the Bruins to a second consecutive Final Four
appearance while averaging 13.3 points a game and 5.4 assists, Collison
hit the NBA's radar.
Collison has two choices for exploring his NBA chances. He could
declare by April 29 that he was available for the June draft but not
hire an agent. Collison would be allowed to attend NBA evaluation camps
and work out for NBA teams but choose to return to school. Or he could
hire an agent and give up his college eligibility.
Junior shooting guard Arron Afflalo, UCLA's leading scorer and the
Pacific 10 Conference player of the year, has announced he is leaving
school for the NBA. Sophomore Josh Shipp, who would be expected to
inherit many of Afflalo's shots, underwent hip surgery last week.
A source close to the UCLA program said he "didn't expect" Collison to
leave school. Collison was attending a tutoring session Monday night.
(photo credit: Jack Rosenfeld)
Labels: Bruin Player News (Current)
BBR :: Article Link :: 12:00 AM ::
12 comments
12 Comments:
I'm betting this is a "will become eligible for draft, won't hire agent" announcement.
I would tend to agree he'll probably announce that he's making himself eligible for the NBA without signing an agent. Since Collison is likely to leave for the NBA next season, it might be beneficial to receive feedback from NBA scouts and GMs.
Many players are doing it this year, especially a number of college juniors who are using their one chance of being evaluated without harming their amateur status.
It makes sense. We'll see what happens on Wednesday.
- BBR
Just read on Bruin Nation Blog that DC is staying! Woohoo!
Still have not heard or read a decision from a named source substantiate one way or the other.
- BBR
HOPEFULLY D COLLISON WILL STAY.HE DOES HAVE THE TALENT PLAY IN THE NBA. IF HE GOES OUR TEAM NEXT WILL GO FROM
FINAL FOUR TO WHO KNOWS?????????
HOPEFULLY D COLLISON WILL STAY.HE DOES HAVE THE TALENT PLAY IN THE NBA. IF HE GOES OUR TEAM NEXT YEAR WILL GO FROM
FINAL FOUR TO WHO KNOWS?????????
SportsIllustrated.com - Luke Winn's column stated Alex Legion recently inked with Kentucky. Is this true???
Legion to Kentucky, DC staying in school.
DC staying is great news. Afflalo was terrific, but DC was the real MVP. Imagine Kevin Love's outlet passes going to DC to ignite fast breaks. Nest season will be fun.
BBR, can you do a column on what everybody thinks Howland will do with the 2 scholarships...
I know Derek previously commented in another article...
Yes, according to this article Legion has signed a 'scholarship' not an NLI with Kentucky. But bottom-line he's going to the Wildcats.
from the Courier Journal:
Unlike a national letter of intent, Legion’s signing will not be binding. Under NCAA rules, a recruit can’t sign two letters of intent in a recruiting year. Legion signed a letter with Michigan last fall. He was released from that letter after then coach Tommy Amaker was fired.
LINK TO ARTICLE
- BBR
As for the two available scholarships, with Legion gone, not sure if the Bruins will have the opportunity to sign another 2007 recruit. There are a couple of blue-chippers still available such as Patterson and Jai Lucas, but the Bruins are not currently in the running for them.
Many expected UCLA to be busy with the recruiting 2009 class, but with two scholarships available this year plus Mata's and potentially Collison and Mbah a Moute next, Howland is expected to add at least two more, if not three, from the 2008 class.
Obviously Jrue Holiday has been a major target for UCLA, but as many have figured, a post man is a necessity. With Drew Gordon, the post from Mitty already offered, don't be surprised to hear more offers this summer to other 2008 big men.
- BBR
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