As expected, Indiana freshman phenom Eric Gordon declared for the draft yesterday.
Gordon, a third-team All-American, is the second member of the heralded 2008 freshman class to declare for the draft, joining Arizona’s Jerryd Bayless. Those who have not yet announced whether they will turn pro include centers Michael Beasley of Kansas State and Kevin Love of UCLA, both first-team All-Americans; Memphis guard Derrick Rose, a third-team All-American; and guard O.J. Mayo of Southern Cal, who was an honorable mention choice on the All-American list.
Gordon led the Big Ten in scoring (20.9 points), set school and Big Ten freshman scoring records with 669 points, and made the third most free throws by a Hoosier in a single season (231). He also tied Mike Woodson’s school record for most 30-point games by a freshman (three) and won the conference’s freshman player of the year award.
Gordon is one of the top shooting guard prospects, and NBADraft.net projects him to go #7 this summer, assuming all the aforementioned players decide to leave early.
Arizona’s Chase Budinger also declared himself eligible. His stock was probably a little higher at the end of last season, but he’s still projected to be a mid-first round pick.
