LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -Kansas sophomore standout Brandon Rush plans to enter the NBA draft, but told coach Bill Self he will not immediately sign with an agent, leaving the door open to another year in college.
The 6-foot-6 guard also tested the NBA waters out of high school before signing with Kansas.
“We certainly respect Brandon’s decision and we wish him the best as he pursues this dream,” Self said Friday in a written statement.
Rush averaged 13.8 points and 5.6 rebounds last season and was the only Jayhawk to start all 38 games. He also shot 43 percent from 3-point range in leading Kansas to a 33-5 record, the Big 12 regular and postseason championships, and a trip to the round of eight.
“I’m ready to take the next step,” Rush told The Kansas City Star for a story Friday. “I’m ready to make a better life for me and my family.
“I could hire an agent, but if I do, it will be much later in the process,” Rush said. “Right now I want to keep my options open. I’m going into it with a free mind. I don’t have anything to lose. I can come back to school or I can stay (in the draft). It’s a plus-plus either way.”
Rush joins Julian Wright as the second Kansas player this spring to enter the NBA draft.
Rush has until June 18 to withdraw and return to school if he is not satisfied with his draft position and does not hire an agent.
Other than Self and former summer-league coach John Walker, Rush said he didn’t ask for anyone’s advice.
Rush is the younger brother of JaRon and Kareem Rush. Both played in college and Kareem played in the NBA.
NBA analysts predict Rush will be selected from No. 15 to No. 35 in this year’s draft on June 28.
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