By Glypie Grider
ST. LOUIS — University of Louisville head coach Rick Pitino has been saying all season long that junior Francisco Garcia will declare for the draft and enter the NBA.
But there is a possibility Garcia will come back to Louisville next year.
“I told him to leave his options open,” Pitino said after Louisville’s 72-57 loss to Illinois in the semifinal round of the NCAA tournament. Pitino said Garcia will likely still enter his name into the draft, but take out a personal loan to travel and work out in front NBA teams. Garcia would also postpone hiring an agent in order to preserve his NCAA eligibility, Pitino said.
Garcia’s draft pick seems uncertain, however, after his 4-point and two-assist performance against the Illini Saturday night.
“Obviously, he didn’t show it [Saturday night], but he’s got enormous talent,” Pitino said. “But now every high school player that shouldn’t even consider going to the pros is considering because of the 20-year age limit being considered.”
The NBA is considering a rule that would forbid potential draftees under 20 from entering. The rule, which would take effect before the 2006 NBA draft, could negatively affect Garcia’s draft status: Garcia, who is 24 years old, would be entered into a pool flooded with underaged players who were not otherwise thinking of entering.
Pitino said that his recommendation to Garcia will be based on where it looks like Garcia will go in the draft.
“If he’s the 26th pick, I would recommend coming back,” Pitino said. “If he’s the 18th pick in the draft, I’d recommend going. But, it might be in his best interest, if the 20-year age rule comes in to stay.”
Garcia has reportedly said he will defer to Pitino’s recommendation.
