Press release from Pitt.

University of Pittsburgh junior center Aaron Gray announced Thursday that he will make himself available for the 2006 NBA Draft. Per NCAA rules, Gray will retain the option to withdraw from the draft and return for his senior season at Pitt since he will not sign with an agent. The NBA Draft Early Entry withdrawal deadline is on June 18, 2006, one week before the NBA Draft (June 28 at New York’s Madison Square Garden).

“In discussing my options the last couple of weeks with my family and Coach Dixon, I feel that it is in my best interest to declare for the NBA Draft,” Gray said. “I will not hire an agent, leaving me the option to return to the University of Pittsburgh for my senior season. The draft process will provide me a great learning experience and will help me become a better player. Academically, I am well on my way to graduating and earning a degree and that is a priority for me. I want to thank the administration, coaching staff, my teammates and fans who have all supported me over the last three years. No matter how much money the NBA offers, that amount won’t be able to buy back my senior season at Pitt.”

“Aaron carefully considered this decision and sought the right information before making it,” Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon said. “We’ve been counseling him each step of the way and will continue to do so over the next two months. This is a logical step for Aaron to take and we will support him wholeheartedly.”

A move that shocks no one. There is no reason not to do this. If you are a potential 1st or even 2nd round pick, it makes perfect sense to go through the process and find out more information.

My feeling has always been that he will do this, but ultimately come back for a final season to make himself a 1st round and perhaps lotter pick lock.