TEMPE, Arizona (Ticker) - Arizona State forward Ike Diogu is entering his name in the 2005 NBA Draft but is keeping his collegiate options available.
Diogu, a junior who led the Pac-10 Conference in scoring (22.6), rebounding (9.8) and blocks (2.34), is not going to sign with an agent or participate in NBA Draft camps in order to keep his NCAA eligibility. Diogu is the Sun Devils' third all-time leading scorer with 1,946 points in 91 games, an average of 21.4 per contest.
"Ike is so talented that it is obvious that he needs to explore his options at this time, and the NBA has a very good program to help him," Arizona State coach Rob Evans said.
"Arizona State is behind him and we are going to do whatever Ike feels is best for him and his family, and that includes but is not limited to gathering all the information that is available to him regarding his draft status."
"I want to declare for the NBA Draft, leaving my options open without having an agent," said Diogu, the 2005 Pac-10 Player of the Year. Underclassmen have until May 14 to declare for the June 28 NBA Draft, but they can remove their names up until June 21.