Shelvin Mack to test NBA draft process

[valpo04]

INDIANAPOLIS -- Butler's Shelvin Mack wants to find out where he stands in the NBA draft. If it doesn't work out, hey, the 21-year-old junior can always return to the two-time national runner-ups.

On Tuesday, the 6-foot-3 shooting guard said he is declaring to enter the draft but has not hired an agent, making him eligible to return to school next season.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/news/story?id=6336316

[sectionee]

I think he should go for it, I bet he'd go late first early second round.  I'm not sure he could improve his draft status by staying another year. 

[ValpoHoops]

As reported by Yahoo! Sports and picked up by CBS Sports and ESPN, Mack will remain in the draft and forgo his senior season.

[agibson]

Apparently he's still projected late first round, or second round.  With the possibility of a lock-out, he's rolling the dice...

[sectionee]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/news/story?id=6509414

I suppose this would be good news for the rest of the HL teams.

[vuweathernerd]

if there is a lockout, is the ncaa going to reconsider the draft issue? or are they going to be considered professionals regardless, like with the nfl draft?

and yes, i know it was each individual's decision whether to stay or go. i'm just curious if anybody's heard anything.

[agibson]

The current collective bargaining agreement runs through... July 1, apparently.  A week after the draft.

I'm not sure when signing bonuses and the like become effective, but I guess the cat's sort of out of the bag after the draft's happened.  And, indeed, it already is.  The operative May 8 deadline (not sure who exactly sets that) has passed. Mack's presumably hired an agent, etc, etc.

If there's a lock-out, I think he's in the same boat as any other professional.  If worse off, since he hasn't collected a professional salary yet.

I'd be disappointed and, I think, even a bit surprised/shocked, if the NCAA made any exceptions for a lock-out.

[vuweathernerd]

i would too surprised too, but figured i'd ask to see if anyone had more clarification than myself.