Michigan guard Darius Morris to test NBA Draft waters, not hire an agent
Darius Morris is declaring for the NBA Draft according to reports, but he’s leaving himself the option to return to the Michigan basketball team.
The Detroit Free Press is reporting, through Morris' older brother, DeWayne Morris Jr., that Darius has decided to put his name into the NBA Draft pool but not hire an agent, allowing him the option to return for his junior year in Ann Arbor.
"He’s going to test the waters,” DeWayne told the Free Press. “He’s not going to hire an agent. He’s going to go through the process as if he was going to enter the draft.”
Through a spokesperson, Michigan coach John Beilein declined comment until Monday's previously-scheduled end of season press conference.
Darius Morris will reportedly test his NBA Draft stock but not hire an agent, leaving him an opportunity to return to the Michigan basketball team.
Morris, who set a Michigan single-season record with 235 assists this year, will be able to explore the draft process until May 8, when he must make a decision whether or not he will stay in the draft or return to Michigan.
The early-entry declaration deadline is April 24.
The Los Angeles native led Michigan in scoring at 15 points a game and assists with 6.7. After Michigan lost in the Round of 32 to Duke, Morris said “Yep” when asked if he would definitely be returning to Ann Arbor next season.
Now, he is reportedly taking some time to reconsider.
Currently, NBADraft.net has Morris listed as the No. 32 pick in the 2011 Draft, being taken in the second round by Miami.
"That’s another dream of mine and I just work hard every day toward it. If I put 100 percent into that, things along the way -- like me getting my education, the team, Michigan doing well -- will all come true, too," Morris said about the NBA earlier this year.
Last year, guard Manny Harris declared early for the NBA Draft and hired an agent, meaning he couldn’t return to school. Harris went undrafted and was picked up by the Cleveland Cavaliers as a free agent. He made the roster and has been on the team all season.
If Morris returns, Michigan will have every player back from this season. If he leaves, the point guard role he held will be left to senior Stu Douglass, who backed him up at the point for the majority of the season, or freshman Trey Burke.
Michael Rothstein covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2558, by email at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein.
Comments
lugemachine
Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
Exceptional ball-handler, good passer, poor shooter. He needs more time in college. Also needs to develop maturity.. tends to let frustration creep into his play. Could be a star next season.. could end up a first-rounder if he hones his skills for one more year.
a2roots
Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
Darrius isn't even close to being ready for the NBA. Far to many flaws and gaps in his game. Hopefully someone with a brain will talk some sense into him.
Truebluebps
Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 2:26 a.m.
Second round not guaranteed money! Definitely not ready until he can dribble with his left hand and soot consistently! Better stick it out!
ltjg
Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 1:45 a.m.
Manny Harris Salary: 2010-11 2011-12 $473,604 $788,872 Not bad for a bench warmer, and about 1.2 mil more than he made last year
michboy40
Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 8:48 p.m.
I really like what Darius brings to the table for Michigan, but I am shocked to see he is testing the water. He needs to develop a jump shot before he is going to do anything in the NBA.I am suprised to hear he could be a second round pick.
KeepingItReal
Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 4:26 p.m.
This is a very wise move the the Morris family to consider. If he gets hurt, i.e. Kalen Lucas, his hold focus will be on proving the NBA teams that he still got the juice. If he should declare early and is drafted, he will at least get a guaranteed contract, time to develop whatever he needs to develop and the possibility of millions later on. I guarantee that Kalen Lucas is nervous as h..., about his draft possibilities right now. MSU, Tom Izzo and MSU fans could careless what happens to him now, witness the Fab Five. Darius owes it to himself and his family to consider this possibility and if it looks good, go for it! BTW. Darius is a legitimate NBA talent.
cwoody297
Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
Seems that Darius could use at least one more year in college. I hope he does not leave for the NBA or this team will have a huge hole to fill. Loved watching this kid play all year and it will be sad to see him leave
Blu-dogg97
Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 3:36 p.m.
One has to wonder if the recruitment of Trey Burke has something to do with the decision and change of mind of D.Morris now testing the waters of the NBA.. IMO he needs more work on a couple parts of his game,and I'll be disappointed if he does get drafted.. Have to wonder if that runner that missed in the last seconds of the Duke game has anything to do with it ? I don't know and that's one thing that is for sure... GO BLUE..
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 12:53 p.m.
I don't know if it's a mistake. If he goes pro, he probably gets selected in the second round, earns a nice salary while sitting on the bench for a year or two and getting development work in practice and scrimmages. He will develop a little faster that way. If he stays another year (or two), he could move up safely into the first round. He also could fall. More likely he gains, but there are no guarantees and he could always blow out a knee. What's scary is that last year the first college player drafted who no longer had college eligibility went at #23. What he loses is the joy of perhaps taking a team deep into the NCAA tournament, of competing for a Big Ten title. I don't know if that matters to him. About twice as many people watch the NCAA tournament final as watch a game in the NBA finals these days. There's plenty of joy in becoming a millionaire before you're 25. But odds are good he'll get there regardless - but the minute he turns pro, the college career ends forever. I watch college basketball, not the NBA, so I know what I want to see. He may be able to purchase special insurance that gives him a huge amount of money if he's injured and isn't drafted as a result. I like the idea of a man standing behind his words and telling us he values getting an education and leading the Wolverines. But that may be an illusion - I know nothing of Darius Morris personally. Could be a great guy. No idea.
81wolverine
Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
Big mistake for Morris to go pro at this point IMO. He's not ready for the NBA yet. Among other things, he needs to develop his outside shot, get better at foul-shooting, and refine his ball handling skills more. By working hard on his game and playing here next season, he could move up into the first round.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 5:41 a.m.
Now that's an unpleasant surprise.