Spring Break
Bayless opts to leave for NBA Draft
By: Michael Schwartz
Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Sports
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By declaring for the NBA on Saturday he recorded another, becoming the first UA player to leave after his freshman season.
"I've thought carefully about my options since the end of the season, discussed it with my parents and others who could give me appropriate guidance, and made this decision with a clear mind," Bayless said in a UA statement. "I'm going to turn professional. It's the right time for me to move on. I appreciate the opportunity I had to be part of the Arizona basketball team this year."
Bayless, who is projected to be a high lottery pick in June's NBA Draft, averaged a team-high 19.7 points, 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game last season. He scored in double figures in 27 of 30 games and scored 20 points 12 times and 30 on four different occasions.
Bayless finished with 592 points on the season, a UA freshman record, and scored at least 30 points in three consecutive games in February, becoming the first Arizona player to ever reach that mark.
For those accomplishments Bayless was honored as a second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated magazine, a third-team pick by Rivals.com and a fourth-team selection by collegehoops.net.
"I'm disappointed because I didn't have one year to work with him, to coach him," UA head coach Lute Olson said in a statement. "Jerryd's going to be a great player in the NBA. He's an unbelievable kid with great character, and he's a great competitor.
"I wish him nothing but the best of luck," Olson added, "and I know he will represent the University of Arizona and the state of Arizona very well in the future."
The decision did not surprise UA forward Zane Johnson, Bayless' roommate and best friend on the team.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Disappointed
posted 4/07/08 @ 3:45 AM PST
Ah man, this sucks for the Cats. But Jerryd has to do what he feels is right, so best of luck to him. Hopefully Chase won't follow suit...
bobby burnstein
posted 4/07/08 @ 2:41 PM PST
Bayless should have stayed because then they would have won it all. their starters would be NIc Wise, Brandon Jennings, Jerryd Bayless, Chase Budinger , and Jordan Hill. (Continued…)
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