Ponds to test Draft waters

SHAMORIE PONDS is making himself available for the NBA Draft, but he still might return to St. John's for his junior season.

After leading the Red Storm with 21.7 points and 4.7 assists per game this season, the Brooklyn product announced on his Instagram account on Saturday that he will declare for the upcoming draft without hiring an agent, to retain his NCAA eligibility.

"As a kid growing up my dream was to play in the NBA," Ponds posted on his Instagram account. "I would like to thank the St John's University coaching staff for putting me in a position to succeed, and achieve my dream goal.

"As me & my family sat down & talked about my future, we decided that it would be best for me to Declare for the NBA Draft & not hire an agent. My plan is to get as much NBA experience and knowledge as possible. In addition, I do not want close any doors. I'll like to keep all my options open.

Ponds can be evaluated by scouts during the predraft process, and he can remove his name from consideration before the June 21 draft if the projections for his selection aren't to his family's liking.

"To get some proper evaluations on my game would be helpful to me," Ponds wrote. "To conclude, I believe this was a smart decision because not only you can get a chance to experience the NBA, but you can also return back to college."

Ponds has averaged 19.4 points per game in two seasons at St. John's, which finished 16-17 under third-year coach Chris Mullin, including 4-14 in the Big East.