| | Associated Press
AUSTIN -- Chris Mihm reportedly will skip his senior year at
Texas and enter the NBA draft.
|  | | Chris Mihm looks for a Texas teammate during the Big 12 Tournament in March. Now, Mihm is looking at the NBA draft. |
The Dallas Morning News reports that Texas' 7-foot All-America center will declare
for the NBA's June 28 draft at a news conference Friday.
Underclassmen have until Sunday to declare for the NBA's June 28
draft.
Considered the best pure center in college basketball last
season, Mihm averaged nearly 18 points and more than 10 rebounds as
Texas went 24-9 and cracked The Associated Press Top Ten for the
first time since 1982. Mihm was the first Longhorns' player named
All-American.
Along the way, every team has scouted Mihm, and with his
improved repertoire of moves in the post -- including a soft hook
and a consistent turnaround jumper, he is considered a sure lottery
pick.
But some have questioned his toughness and whether he is
mentally ready for the pro ranks. A recurring image for Texas fans
from the Longhorns' NCAA tournament loss to Louisiana State is when
Stromile Swift blocked Mihm's dunk that would have tied the game in
the final two minutes.
The News, citing unidentified sources close to Mihm, reported in Friday's editions that Mihm told Texas coach
Rick Barnes of his decision on Thursday. Barnes declined to
comment, and Mihm was not reachable by telephone Friday.
Mihm's decision was influenced by interest shown in him by Jerry
Krause, the Chicago Bulls' vice president for basketball
operations, the newspaper reported. The Bulls' second-worst record
in the NBA this season and have a lottery pick in the draft.
Mihm took his time in making his decision as he considered
whether to spend another year with Barnes, who Mihm credits with
making him a better player. Barnes arrived at Texas after Mihm's
freshman year.
He also has said it would be difficult for him to bypass the NBA
if he felt he would be a top five pick.
If Mihm declares for the draft, he can still change his mind. If
he doesn't sign with an agent, he has until June 21 to declare that
he will return to college without losing any eligibility. Once he
signs with an agent, he can't play again in college.
If he declares for the draft, but doesn't sign with an agent, he
could change his mind once draft selection is determined on May 21.
| |
ALSO SEE
Sources: Mihm most likely to leave Texas for NBA
Early-entry candidates for NBA draft
NBA draft: First-round projections
LSU's Swift declares for draft but won't hire agent
UCLA's Kapono says he hasn't made up mind on draft
Satterfield tells Cincinnati coach he's going to NBA
Jones returning to Georgia Tech for senior season
Crawford jumping to NBA after rocky year at Michigan
Florida coach Donovan says Harvey is going pro
 |
