LJWorld.com / Jayhawks-to-be won't test NBA Draft waters

Archive for Sunday, May 15, 2005

May 15, 2005

The deadline for high school players and college underclassmen to declare for the 2005 NBA Draft was Saturday with no surprises involving Kansas University players.

Incoming McDonald's All-Americans Mario Chalmers, Micah Downs and Julian Wright all remain committed to playing for the Jayhawks -- not NBA teams during the 2005-06 season -- KU coach Bill Self said Saturday night.

"I think obviously all three are very talented youngsters. Their intentions all along have been to come to Kansas and help Kansas win a national championship," Self said.

"That desire has always been there even though there were a lot of rumors about Micah back in December. Since then, none of the three kids have remotely wavered.

"We're excited, and our fans should be excited that three high-quality young guys could have tested the waters, but know going to Kansas will benefit them in the long run."

Self said he had been surprised by the number of players declaring for the draft. As of Saturday, 76 high schoolers and/or underclassmen and foreign players had declared. There are just 60 picks overall in the two-round draft, with dozens of seniors hoping to be taken.

"I've seen a lot of mock drafts, and there are a lot of good players who are not going to get drafted," Self said.

KU senior Wayne Simien, who has been mentioned as a possible lottery pick, currently is being mentioned as a player who will fall between Nos. 20 and 24 of round one. Keith Langford and Aaron Miles are considered possible second-round picks.

Langford has worked out for Houston and Golden State, with trips set for New Orleans, Seattle, Phoenix and Portland. Miles has worked out for Cleveland, New York and Detroit. Simien has worked out for Sacramento and Golden State. All three players will continue working out for teams leading up to the draft.

Underclassmen can remove their names up until June 21, if they have not hired an agent. The draft is June 28 in New York.