Thomas says he won’t be back

Basketball: Washington guard Isaiah Thomas announced Thursday he’s forgoing his senior season with the Huskies and entering the NBA draft and will not return to school no matter what happens.

Thomas has yet to hire an agent, but at the beginning of a conference call with reporters said, “Yes, it is a goodbye.”

It was a surprising decision by the junior, who in the moments after the Huskies lost to North Carolina in the third round of the NCAA tournament indicated he planned to return for his final season.

Instead, the talented, undersized guard is going to take his shot at the next level.

Thomas said it doesn’t matter what the NBA talent evaluators say.

“Although it was a tough decision, I have decided to forgo my senior season and enter my name into this year’s NBA draft. At this time I will not hire an agent,” Thomas said in a statement released by the school. “Over the past three years I’ve enjoyed every single minute of my Washington Husky career. I am very thankful to have played for a great coach like coach (Lorenzo) Romar and our entire coaching staff.”

He was a two-time all-Pac-10 first-team selection.

Romar said in a statement: “We will definitely miss him, but we are behind him in his quest to fulfill a lifelong dream to play in the NBA.”

Thomas has until May 8 to return to school as long as he doesn’t hire an agent.

In his statement, Thomas said he’s two quarters short of graduating from Washington and intends on getting his degree.

Thomas concluded his junior season at Washington sixth on the school’s all-time scoring list, third in assists and third in 3-pointers made.

Associated Press

Court gives Overton chance

Basketball: University of Washington basketball player Venoy Overton has been given a continuance on a charge of furnishing alcohol to a minor.

The action in Seattle Municipal Court means the charge will be dismissed if he avoids another criminal charge for a year and completes 24 hours of community service.

The 22-year-old was charged March 8, accused of giving alcohol on Jan. 8 to two 16-year-old girls he met online.

Associated Press