Pargo declares NBA draft eligibility

Gonzaga University junior guard Jeremy Pargo will declare himself eligible for the NBA draft, but doesn’t plan on hiring an agent, which keeps open the option of returning for his senior season.

“After discussing my options with my coaches and my family, I have decided to declare for the NBA draft, but will not hire an agent. This is a great opportunity for me to play against future NBA players in front of NBA executives,” Pargo said. “Going through the early entry process will be a great learning experience. I am looking forward to Orlando and the pre-draft workouts and then I will make the decision whether to return to Gonzaga and earn my degree or stay in the draft.”

As long as Pargo doesn’t hire an agent, he is eligible to withdraw his name from draft consideration until June 16. The draft will be held June 26 in New York City. The early entry deadline is April 27.

Pargo, the West Coast Conference player of the year who was also Associated Press All-America honorable mention, averaged 12.1 points, 6 assists and 3.7 rebounds. He shot 49.7 percent from the field, 26.5 percent on 3-pointers and 67.8 percent at the free-throw line.

“Jeremy has given his all to this program, and our coaching staff, players and basketball family are all in support of him exploring his options with the draft. I have full confidence in Jeremy that he will make an educated and thoughtful decision after going through the process,” head coach Mark Few said in a statement.

Pargo, who is on track to graduate, is one of at least 24 underclassmen to declare for the draft. The top of the draft figures to be dominated by freshmen, including guards Derrick Rose, Jerryd Bayless, O.J. Mayo, Eric Gordon, and Kansas State forward Michael Beasley. Beasley and Rose often are listed 1-2, or vice versa, in mock drafts.

Pargo didn’t make ESPN’s list of the top 100 draft prospects. He wasn’t listed on NBAdraft.net’s latest two-round mock draft. He’s rated No. 21 among point guards, according to ESPN, but that list includes numerous players who will remain in college or are still pondering their future.

Pargo’s older brother Jannero has been in the NBA for five years. He averages 8.2 points and 18.9 minutes for the New Orleans Hornets.