Temple's Obi Enechionyia to declare for NBA draft; won't hire an agent

Temple junior forward Obi Enechionyia said Thursday that he will enter his name in the NBA draft, but won't be hiring an agent.

College players can declare for the NBA draft, but then withdraw their name if they don't hire an agent.

A college player must declare for the draft by 11:59 p.m. on April 23. If he doesn't hire an agent, he can withdraw by May 24 (10 days after the NBA draft combine).

"I didn't see any negative in doing this, and I thought why not," Enechionyia said.

The 6-foot-10 Enechionyia, who consistently drew NBA scouts to Temple's games, averaged 13.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots for the 16-16 Owls. He says people he has been close to have received positive feedback from NBA personnel.

"I know my parents and some old coaches have talked to a few teams and scouts and I know there are some teams that are interested in me," he said.

Last year, Villanova's Josh Hart went through the same process, attending the NBA combine and various team workouts and then pulling his name out of the draft.

Enechionyia had a blazing start to his junior season, averaging 21.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots and shooting 24 for 44 (54.5 percent) from three-point range in the first seven games. He couldn't sustain that pace, however, and went into a shooting slump.

Still, for the season, he shot 38.5 percent from three-point range, and his ability to play as a stretch power forward is his best selling point.

"I think my shooting is what sets me apart," he said.

He says making this decision takes some weight off his mind.

"I am relieved," he said. "Now it makes planning my next few weeks a little easier."