One Prep Chosen In 2002 NBA Draft

It was a long night for three of the high school players who had declared for the 2002 NBA draft. Only one prep, Amare Stoudemire (right) was selected by the pros. Stoudemire was a lottery selection as the ninth pick by the Phoenix Suns.

The door is still open for Giedrus Rinkevicius to head to Missouri since he did not sign with an agent. College is not an option for the other two players. If reports are correct, both DeAngelo Collins and Lenny Cooke signed with agents and therefore cannot take advantage of the new NCAA rule that allows preps to head to college if the NBA draft does not turn out positively. Contracting with an agent closes that possibility since it permanently classifies them as pros.

The underclassmen who kept their names in can return to college if they were not drafted and notify the school of their intentions within 30 days. (Previously reported that this rule was changed to permit those selected in the draft, especially second rounders, to return to school; that was incorrect. That provision applies only to preps, a moot point this year.)

One other prep had originally declared for the draft. Brandon Roy withdrew his name and is headed to Washington this fall.

Last year, five of the six preps were taken in the draft; four were among the top 10 picks. The outcome this year were not as charitable. Will tonight's draft change the decision-making by the superstars in the class of 2003?

Update 6/27/02: Slept on this question and have come to one conclusion. Unless the prep is absolutely sure to be a lottery pick, please, please don't sign with an agent. DC