Colorado State University Athletics
Jason Smith Remains in NBA Draft, Selects Agent
6/18/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
June 18, 2007
Colorado State University men's basketball player Jason Smith today announced he will forego his final year of eligibility and will remain in the NBA draft selection process next week.
Smith spoke with CSU coach Tim Miles Monday and confirmed his intentions to remain in the draft. Smith has selected Mark Bartelstein of Prority Sports in Chicago to represent him.
"I am very proud of Jason," said Miles. "He is a great ambassador for CSU basketball. The NBA is getting a young man with tremendous character, wonderful work ethic, and big-time athletic ability."
Smith is a 7-foot forward from Kersey, Colo, who led the Rams in scoring and rebounding the past two years and was a first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection following both the 2006 and 2007 seasons. He averaged 16.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game as a junior last season.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my years at Colorado State," Smith said. "I had a great relationship with Dale Layer and his staff. I also enjoyed my time with coach Tim Miles over the last few months. While the future of CSU Rams basketball is in great shape, I have spent the past three weeks working out and visiting with various NBA teams. Based on the feedback and response I have received, the opportunity in front of me is one I cannot pass up."
Bartelstein can be reached at 312-664-7700 for additional information regarding Smith.
Smith would become the 19th CSU player and first since 1998 to be selected in the NBA draft. The most recent draftee was former center Joe Vogel, selected in the second round (45th pick) of the 1996 draft by the Seattle Supersonics.
