John Shurna Enters the NBA Draft, but Doesn't Sign with an Agent

Northwestern’s John Shurna has entered his name into the NBA draft, but has not signed with an agent.  The 6’6" junior forward will have until May 8th to withdraw his name from the draft if he decides to return for his senior season.  Northwestern Head Coach Bill Carmody commented on Shurna’s decision in a statement released by the school, “It’s a chance for him to pursue his dream and we look forward to helping him gather information throughout the process."

Shurna averaged 23.3 PPG before suffering an ankle injury at the end of the non-conference part of the schedule.  The injury hampered Shurna the rest of the season and his scoring a rebounding were down from his sophomore season as a result.  He finished the season averaging 16.6 PPG and 4.9 RPG after putting up 18.2 and 6.4 in 2010.  The third team All-Big Ten performer improved his shooting to career bests 48.1 percent from the floor and 43.4 percent on three-point attempts.

Shurna requested an evaluation from the NBA advisory panel last week.  The Chicago Tribune reported that ESPN’s Chad Ford ranks Shurna as just the 127^th best prospect in this year’s draft.  Speculation is that Shurna is entering his name to see what he needs to work on to get drafted in 2012.  Shurna scored 1,150 points over the last two seasons and earned the nation’s most improved player from the Sporting News in 2010.

If he returns, the Wildcats will return four starters as they try to make the first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history.