Missouri junior point guard Phil Pressey is the latest underclassmen to announce for the NBA Draft.
Pressey will reportedly hire CAA to represent him, closing the door on a return to campus.
Pressey, who averaged 11.9 points, 7.1 assists and 3.5 turnovers this past season, is projected as a mid-second round pick by DraftExpress.com.
“Second round,” one veteran NBA scout told SNY.tv. “He will change the tempo off the bench. He’s fearless, second-generation NBA player.”
Pressey made this statement about his plans:
“Many college basketball players dream of this day, but when I had to finally make this decision it was difficult because it means I am leaving a place I love so much. I love my teammates, my coaches, Mike Alden and all of our fans, and I’m so glad I had the chance to play for Coach Haith these last two years. He had such a big impact on my career and because of that relationship I will help Missouri basketball anyway I can going forward.
“I wish we could have brought home a national championship banner, but coming to Mizzou was the best decision of my life. This is a special place and I will always be a Tiger.”
Said Mizzou coach Frank Haith: “It’s a bittersweet day because we all care so much about Phil, but I know how much research he and his family have done and I support that 100 percent. I was fortunate in that I had the opportunity to coach Phil for two seasons and he helped us win a lot of games, but more importantly, he was a great ambassador for our program both on and off the court. I wish Phil and his family all the best as he turns to a new chapter in his basketball career.”
