Mizzou's Phil Pressey is leaving college one year early to enter the NBA draft, according to a press release from the school.
The University notes that the point guard is Missouri's career leader in assists (580) and steals (196).
Players who declare for the 2013 NBA draft are technically allowed to reverse their decision by April 16 and return to school and regular NCAA play. But Pressey has reportedly signed on to Creative Artists Agency, a decision that The Kansas City Star points out "effectively shuts the door on a return to Missouri."
On twitter, the reaction is mostly skeptical.
The Kasnas City Star's Mizzou sports writer, Terez Paylor mentions Pressey's mixed reputation with fans:
I know Pressey was a lightning rod for criticism, but there's no doubt in my mind #Mizzou would have been better w/him as a senior in 13-14.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) April 10, 2013
The Tribune's Mizzou sports reporter, Dave Matter, pointed out that Mizzou players have a bad record with leaving early to go pro:
Last #Mizzou player to enter draft early, Thomas Gardner, went undrafted. But Kleiza (27th), Rush (20th), Dooling (10th) all 1st rd picks
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) April 10, 2013
The College Spun blog is openly wondering if Pressey will even have a chance:
Phil Pressey Has Declared For The NBA Draft, But Will He Even Be Drafted? http://t.co/NtlVgrA2NK @matt_hundley #mizzou
— The Spun (@TheSpun) April 10, 2013
