CARDINALS

Mitchell declares for NBA draft, won't hire agent

Jeff Greer

@jeffgreer_cj

Louisville's Donovan Mitchell announced Wednesday that he will enter the NBA draft pool but not hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of returning to U of L for his junior year.

The 6-foot-3 sophomore guard now has until May 24 to determine if he would like to remain in the draft or withdraw his name. He retains his college eligibility by not hiring representation.

"I have decided to test the waters and not hire an agent!" Mitchell wrote in an Instagram post announcing his decision. "I am excited to work out this summer for teams and hopefully participate in the NBA combine! I want it to be clear I have not decided to leave Louisville!"

Mitchell's mother, Nicole, confirmed the news and the initial report from ESPN's Jeff Goodman, as did U of L coach Rick Pitino.

Mitchell, an All-ACC first- and defensive-team selection, averaged 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game over the 2016-17 season. He improved his 3-point field-goal percentage by 10.4 points over his freshman season and is projected as the 21st pick in the latest mock draft by DraftExpress.com. ESPN.com lists Mitchell as the 28th-best prospect.

"He wants to work out for teams," Pitino said.

Mitchell's decision didn't surprise anyone around U of L's program after his breakout sophomore season. Pitino said in a Monday interview on 93.9 The Ville that Mitchell was interested in working out against the guards who are projected to be picked higher than him.

"If you want to go out there and work out for pro teams, I'd like to see you do it because it'll make you better," Pitino said he told Mitchell. "It can only make you a better basketball player."

Mitchell alluded in his Instagram post to the NBA combine, which is scheduled for May 9-14 in Chicago. Players who enter the draft pool may work out for and interview with NBA teams and participate in the combine. They have 10 days after the final day of the combine to ultimately decide their future.

U of L's Chinanu Onuaku followed a similar path last spring before deciding to stay in the draft pool.

A combo guard who projects as a point guard at the pro level, Mitchell impressed draftniks with a strong showing at the Adidas Nations camp last summer, where his wingspan and athleticism were on display. He played point guard this season with U of L's Quentin Snider and Tony Hicks sidelined with injuries.

If Mitchell does return to school, U of L would likely be one of the top five teams in the country to start the 2017-18 campaign, a prospect he said after Sunday's NCAA Tournament loss to Michigan would be part of his consideration over the next two months.

Louisville's Donovan Mitchell during practice Thursday afternoon at Bankers Life Fieldhouse before the game against Jacksonville State Friday afternoon.