Freshman forward Michael Beasley announced he would be leaving K-State for the NBA draft during a press conference at 5 p.m. on Monday.
Beasley thanked his coaches and said he would continue to support K-State even though he had decided to move on from the program that he had led to its first NCAA tournament win in 20 years.
"After consulting with my family and advisers, I have determined that this is the best course of action for me at this time," Beasley said. "K-State will always be special for me, and I cannot think of a better place to be a student-athlete. The people in and around Manhattan have made this the best year of my life, and I definitely will come back and visit and support the school as much as I can."
Beasley also has shut the door on any thoughts of returning to K-State by hiring an agent; Joel Bell of Bell Sports, Inc., will be representing Beasley. Bell has also represented Detroit Pistons center Theo Ratliff, Sacramento Kings forward John Salmons and Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake.
"Money is a very important factor," he said. "I think that it's the right decision for me and my family, financially. I feel that by me going to the NBA, I can take care of my family and make sure our lives are better."
Freshman forward Bill Walker also has made himself available to be drafted. After several newspapers reported it Monday, K-State Sports Information confirmed Walker would be leaving K-State but he was not planning to hire an agent, which would give him the opportunity come back for his sophomore campaign.
Beasley is projected to be the No. 1 draft pick to the Miami Heat by www.draftexpress.com and the No. 2 pick to the Seattle Supersonics by www.nbadraft.net. The draft will be June 26 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. K-State has only had one overall No. 1 draft pick in its history - Bob Boozer, who went to the Cincinnati Royals in 1959. Beasley will also be the first player since 1990s Steve Henson to be drafted from K-State.
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Willamena
posted 4/15/08 @ 10:14 AM CST
Yeah, whatever, it's always about money...what about your education???
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