Villanova's Wayns thinking NBA draft

AS ANTICIPATED by most, including Villanova coach Jay Wright, Wildcats junior lead guard Maalik Wayns is indeed going to put his name into the pool of available candidates for the NBA draft.

"I want to test the waters at this point to see where I stand," the 6-2 Roman Catholic High product said in a statement released by the university.

"I think this is a smart decision for Maalik at this stage of his career," Wright said. "I look forward to working with him as we go through this process."

Since Wayns has yet to hire an agent, this doesn't mean he's gone. But sources have indicated that they believe it's a strong possibility. Wayns - who led the team in scoring with a 17.6 average and made second-team All-Big East despite missing several games late in the season with a knee injury - has until April 10 to take himself out of consideration and return for his final season of eligibility. Until then he can work out for and be interviewed by NBA teams, to try and determine what his stock might be. He also can get an evaluation and receive feedback from a group/committee of the league's general managers.

At this point it doesn't appear that he projects as a first-round pick, which would ensure a guaranteed contract.

There are those who aren't sure he'll be selected at all. But it only takes one team to want you. And some have speculated that even if he has to go overseas or play in the Developmental League, Wayns could simply be ready to move on and start making money. People have speculated that he might already have made his mind up to do this last year, after electing not to at least explore his worth at that time.

The Wildcats went 13-18 this season with no seniors and three junior starters, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. They had five first-year guys.

In 2009, Scottie Reynolds put his name out there but opted to return and became a first-team All-America who nevertheless went undrafted. It's hard to say if Wayns would improve his standing with another season on the Main Line. The last Wildcat to actually leave early was sophomore Kyle Lowry, who in 2006 got taken with the 24th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jay Wright will be a guest analyst for NCAA second-round action today and tomorrow from Atlanta's truTV studios.