Shipp declares for NBA draft

By Brian Dohn

Staff Writer

Junior wing Josh Shipp became UCLA’s fourth underclassmen to declare for the NBA draft, and like the other three, will retain his college eligibility by not hiring an agent.

At this time, sources said Shipp is expected to return for his senior season, but wants to go through the workout process to gauge what areas of his game needs to improve the most.

"After speaking with my family and with Coach (Ben) Howland, I think I should test the NBA waters to get some feedback," Shipp said in a statement. "I feel like it really can’t hurt me at this time. I want to go through the process this year, which will serve as a positive experience for me in my future development."

Shipp joins freshman center Kevin Love, sophomore guard Russell Westbrook and junior power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute as UCLA players declaring for the draft. None will hire an agent immediately, giving each player the option of withdrawing his name by June 16.

The NBA draft is June 26.

UCLA point guard Darren Collison announced Saturday he was returning for his senior season.

Shipp struggled with his shot during the last two months of the season. He suffered through an 0 for 20 slump from 3-point range in February, and finished the season shooting 32.4 percent from beyond the arc.

The 6-foot-6 Shipp averaged 12.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

However, Shipp’s decision to declare for the draft but not hire an agent allows him to go through the workout process, if NBA teams are interested.

A new NCAA rule allows teams to pay for players to travel to workouts, so the out-of-pocket expense per athlete is minimal.