Junior guard Iman Shumpert, one of the ACC's top scorers and perimeter defenders last year, announced that he's forgoing his final year of college eligibility, hiring an agent and entering the NBA draft. Most draft projections suggest Shumpert will be selected in the second round of the draft, which would mean that his contract wouldn't be guaranteed and he'd have to play his way onto a roster despite the looming lockout.
"I want to thank the Georgia Tech fans for their support of our program even though we haven't always met their expectations," Shumpert said in a statement released by the school. "I also want to extend my support to Coach (Brian) Gregory and the new staff here going forward. I know the program is in good hands."
The absence of Shumpert is a blow to a Georgia Tech team looking to rebound from a 13-18 season that cost longtime coach Paul Hewitt his job.
Six of the Yellowjackets top eight players return next season, but Shumpert's production will be tough for Gregory to replace. The 6-foot-5 guard became the fourth player in ACC history to lead his team in scoring (17.3 points per game), rebounds (5.9), assists (3.5) and steals (2.7) last season.
If life without Shumpert isn't appealing for Georgia Tech, at least the Yellowjackets may have plenty of ACC peers who can commiserate. While North Carolina's top underclssmen all returned and Duke brings back in talent to contend, the gap between the top two and the rest of the league may be wide once again next season as a result of some major roster attrition.
Florida State's Chris Singleton and Boston College's Reggie Jackson left early for the NBA. Maryland's Jordan Williams and Miami's Reggie Johnson may soon follow.� And NC State and Wake Forest have already lost key transfers Ryan Harrow and Ari Stewart.
The wealth of talent Georgia Tech returns on the wing gives the Yellowjackets a chance to be competitive next year, but Shumpert will be missed.
"He's had a tremendous career here, and I support the decision he and his family have made," Gregory said. "After working with him the last month or so, I'm confident that his workouts will be very good and he has a successful NBA career in front of him."
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