Hendrix announced he’ll test NBA Draft waters
March 26, 2008
TUSCALOOSA — Richard Hendrix, the 6-foot-9 junior power forward who led Alabama in scoring and rebounding this year, on Wednesday announced he would enter the NBA Draft this June.
That doesn’t mean he will be in the NBA this fall. Hendrix said he will not sign with an agent and will seek feedback from league evaluators in the months leading up to the draft. If those evaluations urge him to stay in school, he can change his mind before June 16 — 10 days before the draft — and return to Alabama for his senior season.
Still, Hendrix sounded committed to the NBA and said his focus will be earning a place in the draft.
“I’m going into this procedure with the highest hopes and best expectations,” said Hendrix, who was dressed in a blazer and tie. “… It’s always been a goal of mine to play at the next level. If the opportunity presents itself then I’ll give it a try.”
Hendrix has NBA-type credentials. He was the only player in the Southeastern Conference to average a double-double this season — at 17.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. The junior from Athens, Ala., the SEC in rebounds with Ole Miss’ Dwayne Curtis. He made the first team all-SEC in coaches and media ratings in both preseason and postseason voting.
Asked if he had a draft number in mind as determining factor in whether he returns, Hendrix said, “Mainly, that’s a decision I’ll have to make as I get more feedback. I’m hoping for the best. I think I have a good opportunity to become a pretty good draft pick, hopefully, and I’m going to work as hard as I can to make it happen.
“You don’t want to make a decision you wind up regretting. It’s all on me. I just have to make good choices from here on out.”
