Early-Entry Update: Jason Smith Staying in Draft; Charles Rhodes Returning

According to the Fort Collins Coloradoan, Colorado State junior center Jason Smith has announced that he will keep his name in the NBA Draft and not return to the Rams for his senior season. “I thoroughly enjoyed my years at Colorado State,” Smith said. “I had a great relationship with (former CSU coach) Dale Layer and his staff. I also enjoyed my time with (new) coach Tim Miles over the last few months. While the future of CSU Rams basketball is in great shape, I have spent the past three weeks working out and visiting with various NBA teams. Based on the feedback and response I have received, the opportunity in front of me is one I cannot pass up.” Coach Tim Miles supported the decision. “The NBA is getting a young man with tremendous character, wonderful work ethic, and big-time athletic ability,” Miles said. The 7-footer will be represented by agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports in Chicago. Smith, whose draft stock is rising rapidly, averaged 16.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game last season.

According to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, Mississippi State junior forward Charles Rhodes has announced that he will withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and return to the Bulldogs for his senior season. "I have officially withdrawn my name from the 2007 NBA draft by faxing the required paperwork to the NBA office," Rhodes said. "The NBA put this policy in place to allow underclassmen like myself to test the draft waters, and I simply took advantage of the opportunity. I now have a better perspective on the areas of my game that I need to work on in order to improve my status for next year's draft." Coach Rick Stansbury supported the decision. "Hopefully through this process, Charles has learned the importance of hard work and how it impacts his future," he said. "We now expect Charles to come back ready to help our team compete for another championship." Rhodes averaged 13.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season.