Stop the 'net!!! JaVale McGee going pro

Well, this will certainly roil the good feelings emanating out of Nevada about next season and put the Wolf Pack in a hole at the center position. Only 6-8 Matt LaGrone has the size to move over to the center spot unless and until Coach Mark Fox lands someone from the JC ranks.

This move is good for the other contending WAC teams but bad for the league overall as it can only lower the WAC RPI rating next season.

As for McGee, he needs another season in order to develop the mental aspect necessary to compete in the NBA, plus about 30-40 more pounds and much more technical efficiency with his footwork, etc. But the overarching question -- which nobody knows the answer -- is would he develop these various capacities faster in the pros or in college?

Good luck to JaVale -- may he succeed beyond his wildest expectations.

Pack basketball: McGee hires agent, will enter draft
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette Journal
March 30, 2008

JaVale McGee has decided his NBA future is now.

The Nevada sophomore has hired an agent, nullifying his two remaining years of college eligibility, Nevada director of media services Rhonda Lundin confirmed Saturday evening.

The 7-footer showed glimpses of his immense talent throughout the season, averaging 14.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. He was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference second team and the league's all-defensive team after leading the WAC in blocks with 92.

McGee's unique blend of size, length and athleticism, along with his professional pedigree, elicited praise from scouts. However, the 20-year-old is also considered a raw prospect physically, a player who is likely not yet ready to step into an NBA rotation.

McGee and Nevada coach Mark Fox did not immediately return calls to their cell phones, but McGee spoke with draftexpress.com, which first reported the player's decision.

McGee told the site he "wanted to get it off my mind and start working hard," when asked why he decided to enter the draft. The site reported his mother -- former WNBA player and USA Basketball Olympian Pam McGee -- was recently told by NBA general managers her son would be drafted from the "late lottery to 20" portion of the draft, which he said "sounds about right" and "can't get any better..."

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