Hey Dante, Taft going pro.....

Ego74 · Apr 4, 2005

Krauser probably not far behind.

Pittsburgh's Taft to turn pro

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Pittsburgh sophomore center Chris Taft announced Monday that he will forgo his final two collegiate seasons and enter the upcoming NBA Draft.

Taft made the announcement on ESPN2's Cold Pizza Monday morning and said he would stay in the draft and not withdraw his name.

The 6-10 Taft averaged 13.3 points and 7.5 rebounds last season for the Panthers, who lost to Pacific in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Taft, who was named the Big East Conference freshman of the year in 2003-04, is considered by many scouts to be a potential lottery pick.

In other team news, point guard Carl Krauser is also likely to declare for the June 28 draft.

Underclassmen must announce their intent to enter the draft by May 14 in order to be eligibl

Noreaga+ · Apr 4, 2005

both are 2nd round picks at best

ApolloKid · Apr 4, 2005

Taft needs another season of work. Not a good decision on his part. He's got good skills, but needs one more year. He'll get lost in the pre-draft shuffle unless he plays really well at the camps. Bad decision, IMO.

Dante · Apr 4, 2005

thanks Ego...good stuff

Ego74 · Apr 4, 2005

Dante said:
thanks Ego...good stuff

You guys got any good recruits to speak of on the way?????

WildBill · Apr 4, 2005

Taft is projected as the 6th pick on the mock draft board. Doubt he falls to the second round.

PokerKingJim · Apr 5, 2005

As a Pitt fan, some NBA team will be disappointed that they drafted Taft. he just doesn't have the fire. With his size and skill, he should have dominated the Big East. but it just never happened. At times he would get hot but too often he was way too passive and not willing to take the game over. In the NBA where everybody will be just as skilled and as big as him, he will be lucky to make somebody's 10 man rotation. Not enough drive to be an NBA star - probably not even a starter.

Krauser is nuts if he decides to leave early. He does not have NBA level skills. He really doesn't have anything that he does extremely well. His ball handling, shooting, defense can all be shaky at times. He is not NBA quick and has a very slow release on his jumper. He will be playing in Europe someday. Would absolutely stun me if he lasted more than a few seasons in the NBA.

bhg · Apr 5, 2005

I could really see Krauser pulling out after Chicago. Then again, I thought the same thing with Delonte West and was surprised when he stayed in the draft.

Here's hoping Carl returns :103631605