Ndudi Ebi to enter draft

[HawkTodd]

Ebi will test pro waters, could still be a Cat. (5-10-03)

http://arizona.theinsiders.com/2/110169.html

The Wildcats were ecstatic when they lured Ndudi Ebi away from Duke, but now the nation’s top prep power forward may not wear the cardinal and navy. Ebi has announced his intention to test his status in the NBA Draft.

Under a new rule if he does not hire agent Ebi is able to see where his draft stock is at and still enroll in college if he is not comfortable where he will be selected.

Wildcat coaches are obviously not happy to potentially lose a recruit, but are publicly behind Ebi.

“We’re behind him 100%,” said Josh Pastner, Ebi’s lead recruiter. “He’s not doing anything wrong. This is the land of opportunity and he wants to test the waters.”

Pastner indicated that Ebi told him that he wants to be an Arizona Wildcat and if he is not a sure Lottery pick or at least very close to it, that he’ll be a Wildcat.

Ebi also told the staff that he is very interested in experiencing what it is like to be a college basketball player, but that the money of being a potential lottery selection is too tough to pass up.

The new rule will allow Ebi to work out for pro teams and get a good feel for where he will be drafted. the deadline to withdraw his name from the draft is June 19.

Ebi’s parents are very pro-education and have been fans of Lute Olson and his program. They are behind Ndudi’s decision, but have said many times in the past that they want him to go to college.

The forward from Houston's Westbury Christian High, is considered one of the country's top prep players in the country. He averaged 23.3 points and 11.6 rebounds last season. NBADraft.net has him as the third best pro prospect in this high school class, but because of his prior statements about going to school the site does not have him listed in their top prospects for this draft class.

There are many questions about Ebi’s pro readiness, but many teams draft on potential and could overlook deficiencies. Ebi is a combo-forward who at this time is more suited to the post, but projects as an NBA three. He is 6-9, but only around 190 and needs to gain weight either way. He has nice quickness and a good outside shot, but is not nearly polished enough to see time on the wing at this time on the pro level.

Ebi is working hard to gain strength and improve his game. In fact he was working with a personal trainer when Cat Tracks attempted to reach him for comment.

Ebi is the first Wildcat recruit to test the pro waters. Five Wildcats have declared early and Jason Gardner tested the waters after his sophomore season.