travis outlaw declared for the draft this morning. this could be bad for men's basketball. however, he didn't hire an agent meaning he can go to state if he withdraws from the draft by june 19 i think. i've also heard that jackie butler isn't incredibly smart so his grades could keep him from playing for state to.

yep, here is the snippet on it from the Clairion-Ledger

Outlaw declares for draft

The Clarion-Ledger

All-State basketball player Travis Outlaw from Starkville said Friday morning that he will make himself available for next week's NBA draft.

Outlaw, a 6-8, 205-pound forward who signed with Mississippi State, is one of a half-dozen high schools seniors whose names have been mentioned as potential first-round picks.

Under NCAA rules, a high school player can enter his name in the draft and retain his college eligibility, provided he withdraws his name from the draft by June 19 and does not hire an agent. In a statement released by Starkville High School, Outlaw said he will not hire an agent.

"With the support of my family, I have decided that I will enter my name in the 2003 NBA draft," Outlaw said in the statement. "It's always been my dream to play in the NBA. To have an opportunity to do that straight out of high school is very exciting."

At least one basketball analyst, ESPN's Andy Katz, has reported that Outlaw would likely be picked in the first round. First-round selections receive guaranteed three-year contracts that range from nearly $2 million over three years for the final pick in the round (29th) to nearly $12 million over three years for the No. 1 pick. Players picked in the second round of the draft receive no guarantees.

Outlaw will likely participate in the NBA's pre-draft camp June 3-6 in Chicago. It's there that he'll get an opportunity to go head-to-head against other potential draftees, mainly older players with college experience.

Outlaw is the third Mississippi State signee in the last four years to declare early for the draft. Jonathan Bender of Picuyane signed with State in the fall of 1998 but never played for the Bulldogs. Instead, he entered the draft in June of 1999 and was picked fifth. He just completed his fourth season with the Indiana Pacers. Mario Austin played three seasons for State but will bypass his senior year for the draft. He made his announcement last month and has signed with an agent, meaning he can't return.

In a story published earlier this week by The Clarion-Ledger, Bulldog coach Rick Stansbury said he supports Outlaw on whatever decision he makes. "All we want is a decision that's best for Travis' future," Stansbury said. "Whatever that is, we'll support it 100 percent."



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