Author Topic: UCLA guard Afflalo withdraws from NBA draft (Read 138 times)

BizzyR.I.P. · « **on:** June 17, 2006, 04:30:26 PM »

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- UCLA guard Arron Afflalo withdrew from the NBA draft Saturday, allowing him to return for his junior season.

Jordan Farmar, the other half of the Bruins' star backcourt, declared for the draft the same day in April as Afflalo. Neither player signed with an agent, so Farmar is eligible to return, too.

"He's still formulating his decision," coach Ben Howland said.

The deadline to withdraw from the draft is 5 p.m. EDT Sunday.

Afflalo said he worked out individually for the Lakers, Clippers, Chicago, Cleveland and Indiana.

"Some of the teams thought I was a second-round talent," he said during a conference call. "A few teams did indicate I was a first-round talent. It was never about money. I was looking for the right situation for me."

He said he received mostly positive feedback from the teams, with some wanting him to improve creating off the dribble for himself and others.

Afflalo had said he would return to school if he wasn't assured of being a first-round pick who would receive a guaranteed contract.

"It was very hard for teams to guarantee things," he said. "It definitely wasn't worth jeopardizing the great situation I'm in here."

Afflalo and Farmar led the Bruins to a runner-up finish to Florida in the national championship game after helping them win the Pac-10 regular-season and tournament titles.

Afflalo and Farmar, the Bruins' co-captains, shared the John Wooden Award as the team's most valuable players last season. UCLA finished 32-7, tying a school record for most wins.

Afflalo was the leading scorer at 15.8 points and Farmar was second at 13.5. He also led the Pac-10 in assists.

"What's to be disappointed about? This is a great team," Afflalo said. "I enjoy playing with my teammates. I knew I could make a lot of people happy with this decision."

Especially Howland, who signed Afflalo and Farmar as his first two recruits when he took over in Westwood three seasons ago.

"We're very fortunate to have him back," Howland said. "No doubt in my mind, he will be in the NBA someday. It's just a matter of when, not if."

Great choice. He needs a year or 2 more to further develop his game. He will most likely be a 1st Rd. draft pick next year if he stays injury free.

Ðøšïå · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2006, 06:47:26 PM »

i think farmar is gone but ya never know... UA and UCLA are gonna have some nice games next season.

Now_Im_Not_Banned · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2006, 08:28:48 PM »

Not really surprising...Some mock-drafts had him go as low as undrafted! Farmar is most likely a first round lock, I have a feeling New Jersey will take him with the 21st pick, and if he slides to 26, I have a feeling Lakers will take him...I'm interested in seeing how Ryan Hollins does in the draft, he has second round steal potential...And it'll be interesting to see if Cedric Bozmeman has a place in the NBA, he'll probably go undrafted, but he's good enough to get signed...Maybe by Lakers? Dijon Thompson is gunna be nice as well, just watch...PeACe

Ðøšïå · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2006, 02:57:07 PM »

Quote from: Now_I_Know on June 17, 2006, 08:28:48 PM

Not really surprising...Some mock-drafts had him go as low as undrafted! Farmar is most likely a first round lock, I have a feeling New Jersey will take him with the 21st pick, and if he slides to 26, I have a feeling Lakers will take him...I'm interested in seeing how Ryan Hollins does in the draft, he has second round steal potential...And it'll be interesting to see if Cedric Bozmeman has a place in the NBA, he'll probably go undrafted, but he's good enough to get signed...Maybe by Lakers? Dijon Thompson is gunna be nice as well, just watch...PeACe

yup.. farmar has just decided to stay in the draft as expected.

Doggystylin · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2006, 04:51:48 PM »

both should withdraw, neither of them are good NBA material players, they need to up their game and come back next year. Farmar is much better but if I were him I'd want to prove I'm better and go in for another year of college to up my game and come back as a higher draft pick. Affalo really has no shot this year anyways.

Now_Im_Not_Banned · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2006, 05:01:36 PM »

Quote from: Sunset Andre Benjamin on June 18, 2006, 04:51:48 PM

both should withdraw, neither of them are good NBA material players, they need to up their game and come back next year. Farmar is much better but if I were him I'd want to prove I'm better and go in for another year of college to up my game and come back as a higher draft pick. Affalo really has no shot this year anyways.

Well, I think you're undestiating Farmar...He'll do good in the pros...He's most likely a first-round lock, so there's nothing to worry about, why take the chance of falling in the draft next year? I know I'd go pro as soon as possible if I had the chance...Watch out for Farmar, I said it when he was still on my high school team, and I'll say it now...PeACe

Don Jacob · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2006, 11:13:35 PM »

farmar is definately nba material , i don't see him becoming a player like kobe , bron, or d wade, but i think he'll become one of those crucial pieces like cassell