| | Associated Press
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan's Jamal Crawford, suspended for
14 games last season and who pledged to return to the Wolverines
next season, will make himself eligible for the NBA draft against
his coach's wishes.
|  | | Crawford was Michigan's top scorer despite being suspended for 14 games. |
"At this time, I would like the opportunity to test the waters
and put my name in for the NBA draft," to be held June 28,
Crawford said in a statement issued by the school Tuesday.
"After talking with several professional teams, it is necessary
to look at all my options and see if indeed it would be in my best
interest to play in the professional ranks."
Crawford said "today's decision does not close the door on my
college career, but it allows me simply to take a look at this
opportunity."
Crawford, who would be a sophomore next season, will have until
June 21 to withdraw from the NBA draft and remain eligible to play
in college. If he goes undrafted, Crawford can return to play
college basketball by writing a declaration of intent to the
athletic director within 30 days of the draft.
At any time if an underclassman signs with an agent, he cannot
return to NCAA play.
Crawford was the Wolverines' leading scorer last season before
being suspended for six games by the NCAA over his living
arrangements while a high school player in Seattle.
The NCAA later added an eight-game suspension after it was
discovered Crawford tried to make himself eligible for the NBA
draft while still in high school and after having signed a letter
of intent to play for Michigan.
The NCAA originally declared Crawford in violation of a rule
that bars prep players from declaring themselves eligible for
professional sports leagues' drafts. Crawford signed and sent a
letter to the NBA in May 1999, seeking to declare himself eligible
for last year's draft.
In that letter, which wasn't accepted by the NBA because it
arrived too late to place his name on the draft list, Crawford
expressed the mistaken impression that he wouldn't lose his college
eligibility.
"People said, 'You have some skills. Check it out,' "'
Crawford said. "So I just thought I would."
Crawford sent another letter six days later in which he withdrew
from the draft, the NBA said.
NCAA rules provide a one-time exception for college players who
put their name on the NBA draft list to retain their eligibility if
they aren't drafted. There is no such exception for high school
players.
Crawford's mother, Venora Skinner, had said earlier this year
that her son planned to turn pro after this season, but he denied
that. He said "without doubt" he would return and play for
Michigan next season.
"That's my mom talking," Crawford said at the time. "That's
not coming from me."
In Tuesday's statement, Wolverines coach Brian Ellerbe said "we
talked to Jamal and hoped he would not enter the draft and stay in
Ann Arbor to get ready for the upcoming school year and basketball
season."
But "this is Jamal's decision, and we hope whatever the outcome
it turns out best for his family and himself," Ellerbe said.
As a freshman, Crawford averaged 16.6 points, 4.5 assists, 2.8
rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 17 games.
| |
ALSO SEE
Early-entry candidates for NBA draft
 |
