Friday, April 23, 2010

Full-Court Press, April 23: Alabi goes pro

Florida State sophomore Solomon Alabi, possibly the last major player yet to make his decision about the NBA Draft, has decided to submit his name into the early-entry pool.

"Solomon is going to finish his classes this semester and continue working hard to improve his standing for the upcoming NBA Draft," head coach Leonard Hamilton said in a release. "Solomon's desire to mature and improve as both a person and as a basketball player has led him to think about what his future could hold for him and the NBA is something that is certainly within his reach. He has the full support of our coaching staff in making this decision."

Alabi, a 6-11 center, averaged 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks last season, garnering third-team All-ACC honors.

Patterson makes it official

To no one’s surprise, Kentucky junior forward Patrick Patterson has officially announced that he will enter his name into the NBA Draft. Patterson will hire an agent, ending his career with the Wildcats.

“Pretty much, I just felt that it was time for me to go, time for me to start a new chapter in my life, time for me to move on,” Patterson said, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. “I’ve had a great collegiate career here these past three years, had a lot of fun and met some exciting people.”

Patterson, who averaged 14.3 points and 7.4 rebounds last season, is a potential lottery pick in the upcoming draft. He is one of five Kentucky players to enter the NBA Draft, joining freshmen John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton.

Cornell hires Courtney

As first reported by former Cornell forward Jon Jaques and Jeff Goodman of FOXSports.com via Twitter, Virginia Tech assistant coach Bill Courtney will be the next head coach at Cornell.

Prior to his one season with the Hokies, Courtney spent time as an assistant at VCU, Virginia, Providence, Bowling Green and American, and was an associate head coach at George Mason for eight seasons.

He replaces Steve Donahue, who took the head coaching position at Boston College.

Nevada’s Johnson hires agent

Nevada junior guard Armon Johnson will not return to the Wolf Pack next season, hiring an agent and therefore forgoing his remaining eligibility.

According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com via Twitter, Johnson has signed with Excel Sports Management, specifically Michael Lindeman.

Johnson averaged 15.7 points and 5.6 assists last season. He is projected as a second-round pick in most mock drafts.

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