| USC’s Gabe Pruitt will test NBA draft stock |
Gabe Pruitt made it official Thursday, saying that he will declare for the NBA draft but not hire an agent, leaving open the possibility to return for his senior year at USC if he doesn’t like where he is projected.
Pruitt will have until June 18 to remove his name from the draft — which is June 28 — if he is going to return for his senior season.
"I’m looking to hear I’ll be a first-round pick because of the guaranteed money," Pruitt said of what would keep him in the draft. "If it’s not looking like I’ll be a first-round pick, I’ll obviously stay in school. If it is, I’ll have to look over my options."
Pruitt missed the first 11 games of the past season because of academic ineligibility but resumed his roll as a team leader upon his return.
Once back starting at point guard, Pruitt took command of the offense and the turnovers that had plagued USC to begin the season took a sudden nose dive.
At 6-foot-4, Pruitt offers intriguing size for a point guard.
He improved his NBA stock in the NCAA Tournament by playing lock-down defense on a trio of smaller, quick guards. He was particularly impressive against D.J. Augustin of Texas, forcing him into committing as many turnovers — six —
as points scored, to lead a USC upset.
With players like Augustin and North Carolina’s Ty Lawson — whom Pruitt held to four points in the Sweet 16 — opting to return to school, a weak draft for point guards could benefit Pruitt.
Players have until Sunday to announce their intentions for the draft.
"It was tough, but I talked to my parents and felt this was the right decision," Pruitt said. "They told me why not go for it, weigh my options and play it out, see what happens."
Pruitt has scored 1,102 points in his three years, 27th on the school’s all-time list.
He ranks sixth in USC history for steals with 158.
The Trojans have already had Nick Young forego his senior season for the draft and are losing senior Lodrick Stewart. If Pruitt follows, USC will have to replace its three leading scorers next season.
| " | "I'm looking to hear I'll be a first-round pick because of the guaranteed money," Pruitt said of what would keep him in the draft. "If it's not looking like I'll be a first-round pick, I'll obviously stay in school. If it is, I'll have to look over my options." |
