Chalmers, Hickson Likely Staying in Draft

Kansas junior guard Mario Chalmers is leaning towards staying in the NBA Draft, he told Phoenix reporters after his workout for the Suns on Friday. "I’m leaning towards staying [in the draft]," Chalmers said. "I’ve been hearing a lot of good things, so I’ll probably stay in." The hero of the National Championship game said he wants to be taken in the first-round. "[If I determine that I will be taken] in that top first round, anywhere between 15 and 25, I’m going to stay in [the draft]," he said. Chalmers also added that it would not be hard going to back to the Jayhawks for another season, despite winning a title and hitting his memorable shot. However, he did say: "But it’s my dream to be in the NBA, and I am so close to it." Chalmers, who averaged 12.8 points, 4.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game last season, is projected as a late first-round pick.

Similarly, North Carolina State freshman forward J.J. Hickson told reporters after his workout that he is most likely not returning to the Wolf Pack for his sophomore season. "I would say that I’m definitely in the draft," Hickson said. "I came out just testing the waters but since I’m hearing a lot of good things about my game I’m not going to pull my name out." Hickson thinks he has been impressive in his workouts and is NBA-ready. "I’m coming in here and I'm trying to impress the scouts and that’s why I think I’m going to keep my name in," he said. Hickson, projected as a first-round pick, averaged 14.8 and 8.5 per contest last season.