Matthew McCarroll | Lariat Photographer
By Greg DeVries
Sports Writer
Freshman forward Quincy Miller has decided to enter the NBA Draft and forgo his final three years of eligibility. Miller originally decided to stay but announced Tuesday that he has changed his mind.
“In the days following his initial announcement to return to Baylor for his sophomore season,” head coach Scott Drew said, “we were able to gather more information and Quincy was able to reflect on his decision with his family.”
Miller will join teammate sophomore forward Perry Jones III in entering the NBA Draft. Jones III declared for the draft on April 9.
Miller is the first one-and-done player in program history.
“After receiving the full support of the coaching staff, Quincy thought it was in his and his family’s best interest to declare for the 2012 NBA Draft,” Drew said. “Baylor Nation thanks Quincy for providing us with an outstanding season to remember and we will miss his outgoing personality.”
With senior forward Quincy Acy graduating, only two starters from last year remain on the roster: junior point guard Pierre Jackson and sophomore Brady Heslip.
Baylor’s strong recruiting class should ease the pain of losing Miller. The Bears have three recruits on the ESPN 100 list of top high school players: Grace Preparatory Academy center Isaiah Austin, Riverside Academy power forward Ricardo Gathers and Westbury Christian High School point guard L.J. Rose have all signed.
Fort Worth Christian High School center Chad Rykhoek has also signed to play for the Bears.
Miller’s decision has cast light on the NCAA’s controversial decision to invoke its own deadline to declare for the NBA Draft. Miller announced on the NCAA’s deadline, April 10, his decision to return to school. The NBA’s deadline, which carries much more weight, is April 29.
Miller is projected to be a first round pick in the NBA Draft. He averaged 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds in 24 minutes per game for the Bears.
