While addressing members of the Topeka Jayhawk Club on Monday, Kansas basketball coach Bill Self indicated that guard Mario Chalmers will keep his name in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Self, speaking at Shawnee Country Club prior to the Otto Schnellbacher Classic, encouraged TJC members not to be saddened if Chalmers leaves KU. Instead, Self said to embrace the possibilities that could unfold with a young, yet promising team, as the Jayhawks enter the 2008-09 season as the reigning national champions.
His remarks reiterated recent statements by Chalmers.
Following a workout for Phoenix last week, Chalmers told Suns beat writers, "I'm leaning toward staying in. I've been hearing a lot of good things, so I'll probably stay in."
Chalmers said he will "probably make my final decision"
sometime this week.
Chalmers hit a game-tying 3-pointer to send the national championship game against Memphis into overtime, before the Jayhawks prevailed 75-68. He averaged 12.8 points, 4.3 assists and 2.5 steals last season.
June 16 is the deadline for Chalmers and others to remove their names from the June 26 draft if they intend to return to college.
Two other KU underclassmen, forwards Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur, already announced their intentions to stay in the draft.
