DeShawn Stevenson appears headed to the NBA.
A source close to the situation told the Journal-World early Monday morning that Stevenson, a 6-foot-5 guard from Fresno, Calif.’s Washington High, had definitely mailed his letter to NBA commissioner David Stern declaring for the NBA Draft.
Efforts to reach Stevenson were not successful.
He declined comment to Fresno print, radio and television reporters who knocked on the door of his family’s house for comment on Sunday.
Stevenson had until Sunday to mail a letter to NBA commissioner David Stern, announcing for the draft, if his intention was to enter the 2000 Draft.
Coach Roy Williams had been unaware of Stevenson’s plans as of10 p.m. Sunday.
“I had a good visit with him Thursday night. It’s a confusing situation right now, but I’m going to support DeShawn and his family in whatever they decide,” Williams said, indicating he hoped to talk to Stevenson at some point.
I’d love to have him. I really believe he’s the most gifted player we’ve ever signed,” Williams added.
Stevenson kept his NBA intentions a secret all weekend. Stevenson’s high school coach had no idea late Sunday whether Stevenson mailed his letter to the NBA.
By sending a letter to the NBA, Stevenson forfeits his collegiate eligibility.
Stevenson last week said he was headed to KU because he’d recorded a qualifying score on the SAT test. Howver, the Educational Testing Service recently red-flagged Stevenson’s passing SAT test score, considering he had a 700 point improvement on the test from the last time he took it as a sophomore in high school.
Stevenson averaged 28 points and 10.7 rebounds a game last year for Washington High and finished his career with 2,456 points and 722 assists.
The NBA will release its list of underclassmen and high school players declaring for the draft on Thursday.
