ATLANTA - Without risking his final year of eligibility at Georgia Tech, Jarrett Jack will explore an early jump to the NBA.
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A source close to the junior point guard confirmed Wednesday that Jack will declare for June's NBA Draft but without hiring an agent to represent him in contract negotiations. The NCAA allows collegians who declare for the draft without hiring an agent to return to college.
Jack has yet to make an official announcement and could not be reached for comment. The news comes as no surprise, however, since Jack said he would consider such a move after the Yellow Jackets' 2005 finale, a loss to Louisville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Jack risks nothing in doing so. He can work out and audition for NBA teams and has until seven days before the June 28 draft to withdraw his name.
Jack is projected as a late first-round pick by many draft prognosticators. He stands 6-foot-3 and led the Yellow Jackets in scoring last season at 15 points per game.
The projections list him no better than the fourth-best point guard available, though, behind fellow Atlantic Coast Conference products Chris Paul and Raymond Felton and Illinois' Deron Williams.
However, Jack could impress NBA general managers, coaches and scouts in his workouts.
He is taller and bigger than both Paul and Felton and demonstrated his shooting ability last season, making 51 percent of his shots and 44 percent of those behind the 3-point line.
Should he return to school, he would be among the nation's top point guards. And with the likelihood of the NBA instituting a minimum-age requirement - thereby preventing high schoolers from jumping straight to the pros - Jack could become the most sought-after point guards in next year's draft.
A return to school would also bolster the Yellow Jackets' hopes for next season. Five seniors exhausted their eligibility in 2005, and Jack would be the only returning senior.
While young, Georgia Tech should be talented with reserves Jeremis Smith, Ra'Sean Dickey, Anthony Morrow and Mario West.
Leadership would be the biggest shortcoming, something Jack could provide.
"That would be a lot of fun, to lead these young guys," Jack said in March. "I'd get the chance to go out on my own terms."
Reach Adam Van Brimmer at (404) 589-8424 or adam.vanbrimmer@morris.com.
