Villanova guard Scottie Reynolds has added his name to the pool of players eligible for the NBA Draft.
The 6-2 junior made the announcement Tuesday, but has not hired an agent, which leaves the door open for a return to the Main Line.
"Coach and I have been talking about this for a couple of weeks," Reyolds said in a statement released by the university. "We came to the decision that it would be best to put my name into the draft.
"I will continue going to my classes. But on the basketball court, I am doing this with 100 percent effort. It's not just about going through the experience. I want to prepare myself in the best way I can and make the most of this opportunity."
Under NBA rules, Reynolds has until June 15 to withdraw his name from consideration. After that, he loses his final year of eligibility.
This process allows Reynolds to see where he stands and attend workouts at the NBA's expense.
Kyle Lowry tested the waters after the 2006 season and wound up as a first-round draft pick. Only first-round selections receive guaranteed contracts.
Reynolds averaged 15.2 points and 3.3 rebounds while leading the Wildcats to the Final Four for the first time since 1985. He ranks 15th on the school scoring list with 1,620 career points.
The 2009 draft is scheduled for June 25. It is considered a weak draft by many experts.
"Scottie and I have decided that it would be smart for him to experience NBA workouts at this time," Villanova coach Jay Wright said in a statement released by the university. "This will enable him to assess where he fits in the draft process this year and give him a better understanding of what it takes to play at that level.
"Scottie is completing all of his spring semester classes and is not hiring an agent. He will be working closely with our NCAA compliance staff so that he can return for his senior year if that is the path he chooses."