SEATTLE (AP) -Freshman center Spencer Hawes must decide by Monday if he wants to pull out of the NBA draft and return to Washington for his sophomore season.
Hawes made himself available for the NBA draft without hiring an agent, giving him the option to return to school after working out for NBA teams.
Monday is the deadline for all underclassmen who entered the draft without hiring an agent to withdraw.
“It’s hard to say right now, but I’m trying not to get too stressed out about it or whatever,” Hawes said Saturday while watching an exhibition basketball game feature 11-foot baskets. “I’m just trying to make an informed decision.”
One of the most lauded recruits in Washington’s history, the 7-footer led the Huskies in scoring, averaging nearly 15 points even though he was slowed by injuries and illness for part of the season.
Hawes didn’t dominate the college game as many had expected, but his lanky frame and sharp fundamentals have intrigued teams in the draft lottery.
In the last 10 days, Hawes has worked out for Philadelphia (No. 12 pick), Chicago (No. 9) and Minnesota (No. 7), and he was in Sacramento (No. 10) on Friday. Boston, who owns the No. 5 pick, also attended his workout in Philadelphia.
Some draft projections have Hawes landing anywhere from the Celtics at No. 5 to Philadelphia at No. 12. According to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, the No. 5 pick will make $2,548,500 in his first year. The No. 12 pick will make $1,525,600.
“Most of the feedback has been pretty positive. You hear what you do well, but also what you need to work on,” Hawes said. “That’s important as well, that kind of feedback and how you can improve the best way possible.”
Most concerns have surrounded Hawes’ lack of bulk – he was listed at 230 pounds during the college season – and about his defense.
Hawes planned to discuss his plans with Washington coach Lorenzo Romar and his family before making an announcement.
“It’s almost over,” he said. “You just have to look at the light at the end of the tunnel.”
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