To declare, or not to declare? That was the question for junior Ball State basketball player Theron Smith.
After much thought and consideration, he has found his answer.
Smith declared himself eligible for the 2002 National Basketball Association Draft Wednesday.
In the process, however, Smith has decided not to select an agent which, in accordance with NCAA Bylaw 12.2.4.2.1 allows Smith keep his collegiate eligibility if he wishes. As long as he withdraws his name from the draft by June 19th, he can return to Ball State in the fall to play basketball.
Smith said Wednesday he will only keep his name in the draft if he thinks he can go in the first round, no lower than the 20th pick. The draft is in New York City on June 26.
There is more in it for Smith than the possibility of getting picked for an NBA team. As a junior, Smith has an extra year to play as a college athlete, if he wishes.
So, if he doesn't foresee a top-20 pick and returns to Ball State, Smith's declaration of eligibility may also improve his image to potential teams for the 2003 draft.
Smith hopes to participate in the pre-draft camp, which takes place at the Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago, June 4-7.
Smith said the pre-draft camp is one of the bigger reasons behind declaring this year.
"It's a time to get your name in," Smith said. "I want to see what (scouts) are talking about. The pre-draft camp is the key."
Smith said he is fairly confident in his ability to perform well in Chicago.
After kicking around the idea of declaring for some time, Smith confided in several people when trying to make the decision. The 6-foot, 8-inch forward said he discussed declaring with friends, family, coaches and even Tracy McGrady, a current NBA player for the Orlando Magic.
Smith and McGrady played one another often in high school. Smith said most of his deliberations were with head coach Tim Buckley, who was out of the office and unavailable for comment Wednesday due to recruiting.
When it came to discussing the possibilities with his parents, Smith said his mother emphasized how important his education should be. Smith said that if he does go to the NBA this summer, he intends to eventually return to Ball State to finish his degree.
Smith said his large family - six brothers and three sisters - plays a role in his decisions regarding professional play.
"All of my brothers and sisters are proud and very supportive," Smith said. "They are totally behind me 100 percent."
Smith said that he eventually hopes to make enough money playing in the NBA to give his mother a "break."
"She needs time off, some time to relax," Smith said.
But, as much money as there is floating around the NBA, Smith said it continues to be a dream to fulfill, not a paycheck to earn.
"It's like 99.7 percent desire," Smith said. "It's a dream. The NBA is what it's all about. It's the top stage for basketball."
To Chicago Smith will take with him a fairly impressive season. The junior finished the season ranked second in the country in double-doubles with 23, second only to Kansas' Drew Gooden. He also ranked third in the Mid-American Conference and 42nd in the country averaging 19.6 points a game.
Smith ranks seventh on Ball State's career-scoring chart with 1,553 points and fourth in rebounding with 862.
The last Ball State player to be drafted into the NBA was Bonzi Wells in 1998. Wells was selected by the Detroit Pistons as the 11th overall pick.
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