By Dave Archer

April 25, 2007 | Utah State fans have long known that star shooting guard Jaycee Carroll would most likely end up in the NBA one day. They just didn't expect that day to come so soon, however.

Carroll announced on Monday that he has declared for eligibility in the 2007 NBA Draft, which takes place June 28 in New York City.

"It has always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA, and I owe it to myself and my family to do whatever I can to make that dream come true," said Carroll. "I think it is important for the development of my game to see how I compare against the best collegiate basketball players in the country."

The good news for Aggie fans, however, is that Carroll will not hire an agent to help market him to potential suitors. Had Carroll signed with an agent, he would have lost the ability to withdraw his eligibility in the draft and return to Utah State for his senior season. Carroll has until June 18 to withdraw.

The Aggies coaching staff expressed support of Carroll and his decision to test the NBA draft waters at this point in his career.

"Our coaching staff understands and supports Jaycee on his decision to explore the NBA," head coach Stew Morrill said. "It has become fairly common for underclassmen who have had great seasons to test the waters and find out information regarding their status with the NBA. Jaycee understands unless he is guaranteed to be a first-round pick that the wise decision would be to come back to school."

Carroll is coming off a monster year for the Aggies that saw him lead the WAC and finish 10th in the nation in scoring with 21.3 points per game. He also led the team in rebounds per game (6.3), free throw shooting (88.8 percent), field goal percentage (52.7 percent) and three-point shooting (43.2 percent). His free throw and three-point shooting percentages also led the WAC.

Underclassmen can first have contact with NBA teams at the Pre-Draft Camp on May 29 through June 4 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. After that date, underclassmen can work out for teams at their own expense in order to maintain their collegiate eligibility.

The time-line for early-entry into the NBA Draft is as follows:

April 29 - Deadline for early-entry application into NBA Draft;
May 1-15 - Invitations issued for NBA Pre-Draft camp;
May 29-June 4 - Pre-Draft Camp in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.;
June 5 - First date NBA teams can attend and host workouts involving draft eligible players;
June 18 - Early-entry withdrawal deadline by 3 p.m. (MT);
June 28 - NBA Draft in New York City.

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