[Lefty Noob]

Tucker to submit name for NBA draft, but won't hire agent
By JIM VERTUNO, AP Sports Writer
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_...v=ap&type=lgns

P.J. Tucker, the Texas junior forward who was named Big 12 Player of the Year this past season, and teammate Daniel Gibson, a sophomore point guard, will make themselves eligible for the NBA Draft. Neither is hiring an agent, though, so they both will maintain their college eligibility. This could all but kill the Longhorns title hopes for next year if these guys go high enough. As the article points out: "If they both leave, Texas enters next season without a single starter from a squad that won a share of the league crown for the first time since 1999."

Bet you UT hoops fans are crossing your fingers that they go low, aren't you?

[cjg11582]

I like both players, but I do not think either of them are quite ready for the pro game. Essentially they are just trying to capitalize on the expected shallow pool of draft talent. The problem is, it seems like a surplus of college players are trying to take advantage of this. Thus everyones draft status is collectively devalued.

[MJHMarc]

I think Daniel Gibson (TEXAS) will get drafted much later than expected. He was a leader in college, but is still unproven in many different ways. He is a risk, and I think that most teams will pass him up because they think he is not ready for the pros.

[Lefty Noob]

Maybe one of you guys can answer a question for me - if a guy comes out like this, without hiring an agent, can he go back to school even if drafted say in the late 2nd round? Or is he stuck once he's selected?

[cjg11582]

Thats a good question lefty, and to tell you the truth I am unaware of how it affect his college eligibility if a player is drafted without an agent. My guess is it happens very infrequently, so it is never really discussed. But I am sure there is some obscure rule The NCAA enforces with no leniency.