UA Basketball: Shakur steps into draft
by Steve Rivera on Apr. 13, 2006, under Special, SportsUA junior keeps his options open by not hiring an agent
Shakur
Mustafa Shakur made a splash on national television in the NCAA Tournament.
Now the University of Arizona point guard will try to make a bigger impression on NBA scouts.
Shakur officially made himself available for the NBA draft yesterday. But the junior is not hiring an agent, making it possible to withdraw and return to the team. He has until June 18 to pull out of the draft.
“This is a good opportunity to further showcase my skills,” Shakur said in a statement. “I’m keeping my options open, but I’m looking forward to showing people exactly the type of player I am.”
Shakur, from Philadelphia, averaged 11.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game last season. But in the NCAA Tournament, he averaged 19 points and 7.0 assists.
“Obviously, we’re hoping he’s going to return,” UA coach Lute Olson said. “He would be one of our captains next year. He has done a great job of providing leadership in the weight room and on the floor this offseason.”
Shakur is expected to miss UA’s two-week tour of Europe, which begins May 21. The predraft NBA camp is June 6-10 in Orlando, Fla., but Shakur likely will do workouts beforehand.
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Readers respond
● I love ‘Staf,’ but he’s nuts if he thinks his stock is high enough to get drafted this year. – JOHN H
● Let him go. That will leave room for (signee) Nic Wise to play ball and listen to Lute. Good luck, Shakur. – ERICK M
● His tournament numbers this year are not enough to erase his label of inconsistency. I’m sure he’s just testing the waters to see where he stands. Otherwise he would have hired an agent.
Truth be told, it’s Marcus Williams I’m worried about leaving. Let’s win another title first. – JZ
