Internet reports have stated LSU freshman forward Anthony Randolph has hired an agent and intends to declare early for the 2008 NBA Draft.
Multiple sources have confirmed the Dallas native intends to hire agent B.J. Armstrong of the Wasserman Media Group, according to Draftexpress.com.
“I actually hadn’t heard that he signed an agent, but it doesn’t surprise me if that, in fact, is the case,” said Aran Smith, a reporter for NBAdraft.net. “The assumption is that he’s going this year. There’s pretty much no doubt about that.”
Smith said it was well-known Randolph would declare for the draft and that he would be a top prospect in the draft.
The Daily Reveille contacted the Wasserman agency, but it could not comment on the situation, citing privacy concerns.
“Right now anything on the Internet regarding agents is speculation,” said Kent Lowe, men’s basketball spokesman. “When Anthony [Randolph] and his family are ready to make an announcement regarding his future, then everyone will have the correct information.”
Two calls to Randolph’s on- campus apartment Thursday afternoon were not answered.
ESPN.com’s draft Web site has Randolph listed as a potential top-five selection in June’s draft.
LSU junior guard Garrett Temple said coaches have not talked to the team concerning the recent rumors.
“I haven’t talked to Anthony or anyone close to him about his intentions for next season,” he said. “He had a great year, and if he has an opportunity to enter the draft, then he should do what he thinks is best.”
As recently as March, Randolph said he intended to return to college for his sophomore season.
“I would say there’s a 90 percent chance I’m coming back here,” Randolph told The Daily Reveille on March 10. “I like it here. I like the coaching staff, the players, the fans and the whole LSU atmosphere.”
Randolph also told The Daily Reveille on March 10 that interim coach Butch Pierre’s status at LSU would affect his decision.
“That would affect my decision a lot because coach Pierre is a great coach,” Randolph said. “He’s part of the reason why I came here, and he has helped me get to where I am right now with his coaching and mentoring on and off the court.”
Reports began to circulate Wednesday that LSU was expected to hire Massachusetts coach Travis Ford as to the same position.
Dan Parker of Parker Executive Search, the search firm handling both LSU’s coaching and athletic director searches, denied the reports.
“We’re waiting on the new athletic director to be named [Wednesday] or [Thursday], then we’ll engage with him,” Parker told The Times-Picayune on Wednesday. “There have been no interviews, but we have made some phone calls. LSU wants it to be an inclusive search.”
Massachusetts completed its season Thursday night with a 92-85 loss to the Ohio State in the National Invitation Tournament championship.
Randolph averaged 15.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in nearly 33 minutes per game in his freshman season, and won four Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors – more than any other player this season.
Sports Writer Jerit Roser contributed to this story.
—-Contact Johanathan Brooks at [email protected]