Marc
05-07-2001, 09:58 PM
Well, I expected this, let's just hope they don't get much interest from the pros and come back to college. Hoping, still hoping... :(
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Reuters) - University of Kentucky players Tayshaun Prince and Keith Bogans have applied for the NBA draft, but the two Wildcats are reserving their right to remain in college by not hiring agents.
Underclassmen have until June 20 to withdraw their names from the June 27 draft. By not hiring agents, the Kentucky pair have kept their college option open for now.
Last season, Kentucky posted a 24-10 mark and won both the Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament titles.
``This gives them an opportunity to test their skills against the other players who will be eligible for the draft and see how they stack up,'' Kentucky coach Tubby Smith said.
``They'll get a chance to see if they're a solid first-round pick, or if they'd like to return to Kentucky next season.''
Kentucky's ability to contend for a national title may well depend on the decisions taken by junior forward Prince and sophomore guard Bogans.
Prince, who averaged 16.9 points a game last season and 6.5 rebounds, was named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, while Bogans averaged 17.0 points.
``For me to stay in the draft, I need to find out if I'll be in the top 15,'' Prince said, referring to where he might be selected. ``Otherwise, I'll return to Kentucky and help us compete for a national championship.''
Kentucky advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the last NCAA (news - web sites) Tournament before losing to Southern California.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Reuters) - University of Kentucky players Tayshaun Prince and Keith Bogans have applied for the NBA draft, but the two Wildcats are reserving their right to remain in college by not hiring agents.
Underclassmen have until June 20 to withdraw their names from the June 27 draft. By not hiring agents, the Kentucky pair have kept their college option open for now.
Last season, Kentucky posted a 24-10 mark and won both the Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament titles.
``This gives them an opportunity to test their skills against the other players who will be eligible for the draft and see how they stack up,'' Kentucky coach Tubby Smith said.
``They'll get a chance to see if they're a solid first-round pick, or if they'd like to return to Kentucky next season.''
Kentucky's ability to contend for a national title may well depend on the decisions taken by junior forward Prince and sophomore guard Bogans.
Prince, who averaged 16.9 points a game last season and 6.5 rebounds, was named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, while Bogans averaged 17.0 points.
``For me to stay in the draft, I need to find out if I'll be in the top 15,'' Prince said, referring to where he might be selected. ``Otherwise, I'll return to Kentucky and help us compete for a national championship.''
Kentucky advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the last NCAA (news - web sites) Tournament before losing to Southern California.