GAMECOCK HOOPS STAR MAY FORGO FINAL SEASON TO TURN PRO

If you didn’t get to see South Carolina’s star guard Devan Downey light up the court in garnet and black, you may have missed your chance.

Downey announced Tuesday that he has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft. That, however, does not mean the Gamecock junior will necessarily be going pro.

Downey says he will not hire an agent, meaning he can choose to return to school if he wants.

South Carolina coach Darrin Horn says he will help Downey collect information to see how high in the draft he might be picked.

By declaring for the draft early, Downey can work out for NBA teams and get advice about his draft standing. [AP]

I, for one, am hoping Downey decides to stay in Columbia for his senior year.

Sure, he could make a few million bucks by going pro, but after South Carolina’s late-season collapse, the Gamecocks could really use him.

After all, the guy made the all-Southeastern Conference team this season and led the SEC in steals while averaging nearly 20 points per game.