chris518

SoCalHoops College Recruiting News Report

Chris Herren Withdraws His Name
From NBA Draft; FSU Signs Two--(May 18, 1998)

Chris Herren pulled his name from the early-entry list this last week. In addition Fresno signed Shomario Richard (6'-1" So. G) from Chaffey Junior College, and Shaun Jackson (6'-8" So. F), a two-time All-American at Mater Dei High from Orange Coast College.

The 40 names announced Friday by the NBA include Fresno State's Rafer Alston, Tremaine Fowlkes and Winfred Walton. Suspended transfer Kenny Brunner, who said he would apply, isn't listed. Herren said he wanted to give himself an option by declaring for the NBA draft. He said he believed it was his only opportunity to play basketball next year. Convinced in April he was on his way to becoming an academic casualty, Herren said he has learned he can remain eligible by attending summer school.

"To be honest, my academic situation wasn't so solid," Herren told the Fresno Bee last week. He said he feared he wouldn't have the required 75 percent of his degree requirement completed by next fall. "Now I have a chance to go to summer school and be eligible. This is the best thing for me, because I'll be here all summer working out, going to school and accomplishing things. In the end, it will all pay off."

Herren told the Bee that his family demanded he finish what he started and that he owes coach Jerry Tarkanian the commitment to finish his career withthe Bulldogs. He also said he is tired of dealing with potential agents and of uncertainty as to whether he would be invited to a pre-draft camp June 2-6 in Chicago, for which invitations will be issued next week. "It just wasn't worth it," Herren told the Bee. "I wanted to stop having all those people, those agents, calling me. I don't like that. I'd rather focus on school work than worry about those outside things."

Herren said where he would be picked and potential playing time at point guard with the Bulldogs didn't affect his decision. "I'll play whatever position I have to," Herren said. "If I have to play the two shooting guard or point guard, it doesn't bother me. I want to be more successful. I'm looking at being more of a role player. I've already proven I can score."

If Rafer Alston stays in the draft, (he can return to school if he's undrafted and doesn't retain an agent, and if he can meet the conditions of his current suspension), Herren will most likely play the point with Virginia transfer Courtney Alexander and Terrance Roberson at the shooting guard and small forward positions.

Herren told the Bee also that "I don't want to go out with the NIT. We could have the best backcourt in the country. This is the team that will put it together. No one wants to end the year in the NIT. I don't like to say we won't. But the way it's looking right now, we'll definitely be in the NCAAs."