Thomas Gardner appears ready to follow through on a promise not to play for anyone but Quin Snyder at the University of Missouri. The guard from Portland, Oregon has decided to skip his senior season and test the NBA’s waters. If he doesn’t hire an agent, Gardner can withdraw his name from professional consideration at any time until June 18th and keep his eligibility.
Gardner indicated that he would pull his name from conideration if he feels he’ll be a late pick in the second round of the draft. He also said that his decision has nothint to do with Quin Snyder’s departure as head coach at MU and that he’d been talking to him about the possibility of going pro throughout the season.
In the interim, Gardner said he will stay in school this semester, keeping a promise he made to former head coach Quin Snyder.
Gardner led the team—and was second in the Big 12—in scoring with 19.7 points per game, but he also led the Tigers with 3.3 turnovers per contest. He was named third-team All-Big 12 this past season.
Gardner will speak to the press later Wednesday afternoon.
