Gonzaga's Daye to pursue NBA draft

SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga forward Austin Daye will make himself available for the NBA draft, but will not hire an agent and thus leave open his option of returning to the Bulldogs.

Daye averaged 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds as a sophomore.

He is the son of former NBA player Darren Daye.

"Basically I want to test the waters to see what my future might entail," Daye said in a news release. "I definitely had to sit down and talk to my family about my decision. If a great opportunity presents itself, I might have to lead that path."

Daye's departure would be a big blow for Gonzaga (28-6), which is coming off a round of 16 appearance in the NCAA tournament. The Zags are already losing seniors Josh Heytvelt, Jeremy Pargo and Micah Downs. Daye was the second-leading returning scorer, after Matt Bouldin. Steven Gray is the only other returning player with significant starting experience.

Pargo said he would test the NBA road after his junior year, but decided to remain with the Zags after it appeared he would not be a high draft choice.

Daye is 6 feet 11 and 200 pounds. He averaged 10.5 points as a freshman, playing in every game.

This season, he shot 47 percent from the field, 42 percent from 3-point range and blocked 2.1 shots.

Daye said he will return home to Irvine, Calif., in May and work with a personal trainer to build up his body in anticipation of the June draft.

"My dad told me this is my decision and to make a good choice that will benefit me the most," Daye said. "He told me it's important for our family to know it's my decision."

Gonzaga coach Mark Few said he would prefer that Daye stayed, but wished him well.

"I don't begrudge anybody taking a look at their future," Few said. "I'm confidant when the time comes Austin will make an informed, educated decision about what is best for his immediate basketball future."

Daye has until June 16 to withdraw his name and retain his rights to return to college.

Gonzaga has had other players leave for the NBA, with Adam Morrison a first-round draft pick in 2006 and Ronny Turiaf a second-round pick in 2005. Dan Dickau, Richie Frahm and Blake Stepp were also drafted since 2002.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)