The uncertainty on whether Gorgui Dieng and Russ Smith will stay or go continues, with Gorgui said to be leaning toward leaving, Russ toward staying. They’ve both gone back and forth, at least in their public utterances.
Adding to the confusion is that they may not know themselves, each in the awkward position of getting a feel for their prospects in the NBA draft, which is scheduled June 27. The NCAA deadline of April 16 came and went without any announcements. If Gorgui or Russ had declared their intentions before that date, they couldn’t change their minds. The only date that matters now is the NBA deadline of April 28.
Kenny Klein, University of Louisville sports information director told the Courier-Journal:
“If you hadn’t sent any paperwork in to declare for the draft, you didn’t have any reason to pull out by April 16 to remain eligible for future NCAA competition. An individual could just do nothing and still have until the NBA deadline of April 28 to make his decision on entering the draft.”
The CJ also reported that Dieng is rated No. 16 by ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford, and Smith is at No. 46.
I think Gorgui is gone for sure. He’s doing the $20 autograph session this Saturday which I would say kills his amateur status, right? The only other Card I’ve seen doing those sessions is Siva.
Andy
Good point, Andy. Definitely gone.