Collison may be leaving UCLA
UCLA point guard Darren Collison said Monday night that he would have an announcement about his future basketball plans Wednesday.
Collison’s mother, June Griffith-Collison, submitted her resignation Monday as director of San Bernardino County’s Regional Medical Center and in a news release said one reason was to help her son with his decision making. However, she said Monday night her resignation should not be taken as a sign that Collison would leave school for the NBA.
“Not at all,” she said. “It’s just the job has gotten more demanding and this time is short to spend with my son. I even missed an NCAA game [UCLA against Pittsburgh] because I couldn’t get away. Those moments are precious.”
After an eye-opening sophomore season where Collison stepped in for Jordan Farmar and piloted the Bruins to a second consecutive Final Four appearance while averaging 13.3 points a game and 5.4 assists, Collison hit the NBA’s radar.
Collison has two choices for exploring his NBA chances. He could declare by April 29 that he was available for the June draft but not hire an agent. Collison would be allowed to attend NBA evaluation camps and work out for NBA teams but choose to return to school. Or he could hire an agent and give up his college eligibility.
Junior shooting guard Arron Afflalo, UCLA’s leading scorer and the Pacific 10 Conference player of the year, has announced he is leaving school for the NBA. Sophomore Josh Shipp, who would be expected to inherit many of Afflalo’s shots, underwent hip surgery last week.
A source close to the UCLA program said he “didn’t expect” Collison to leave school. Collison was attending a tutoring session Monday night.
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