Smith & Jones Still Unsure About Draft <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">St. Joseph's Dwayne Jones and La Salle's Steven Smith returned home yesterday on the same flight from Chicago, and both were buoyed by their performances at the NBA predraft camp. Now, both Big Five standouts will take a few days to arrive at a crucial decision: Remain in the draft? Or return to college for their final seasons of eligibility? They have until Tuesday to decide. The NBA draft will be held June 28. "I think I solidified the second round," said Jones, a center who was chosen defensive player of the year in the Atlantic Ten Conference. "And I think I played well enough that someone might take a chance on me late in the first round." "I couldn't have hoped to play any better," said Smith, a 6-foot-7 forward who led the conference in scoring, averaging 20.3 points, and was selected the conference co-player of the year along with St. Joe's Pat Carroll. "I was approached by a lot of teams, and the feedback I received was very positive." Nonetheless, both Jones and Smith said they will take some time to make their decisions. Jones said he'll likely announce his decision Monday or Tuesday. Smith said he may also go right down to the deadline. "I've got a lot of thinking to do," he said. "Going out there and doing pretty well makes my decision even tougher." Both players said they will consult with their coaches and families before arriving at a decision. Both have retained their college eligibility by not hiring agents. In the two-round draft, first-round picks receive guaranteed three-year contracts. Some second-round picks also get guaranteed deals, but most must make a roster in order to be paid.</div> Source
