http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2032788

 

Louisville forward Garcia to enter NBA draft

 

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Francisco Garcia will forgo his senior season at Louisville and enter the NBA draft.

 

"There's no going back. I think I can be a lottery pick," Garcia said Thursday in a conference call with the Dominican media.

 

The 6-foot-7 forward, who was born in the Dominican Republic but went to high school in New York, said he will participate in several training camps to prepare for the June 28 draft.

 

"I know my abilities and I'm confident I can make it," he added.

 

Louisville coach Rick Pitino said Thursday before the announcement that Garcia was ready to turn pro.

 

"I want him to go pro. I do not want him coming back," Pitino said. "Fans will say, 'Is he crazy?' Probably. But it's a dream of his and the young man wants to go. He's ready for it."

 

This season, Garcia led the Cardinals in scoring (15.7 points a game), assists (148), steals (65) and blocks (56) as they made the Final Four for the first time since the 1986 championship team.

 

Garcia also said he will play with the Dominican Republic in the upcoming Tournament of the Americas in Santo Domingo in August and September.

 

"It's always wonderful to represent your country. I've had that honor several times, but the world championship qualifier will be a very special event for me," he said.

No surprise there.

I am alone if I think he will do nothing in the pros?

I am alone if I think he will do nothing in the pros?

 

No...I'm with you. All he did in college was shoot the three. He'll get roughed up by other forwards.

Good passer, good shooter, not very strong.

 

He'll be solid, nothing great IMO.

cool, I like that kid's story, I'll be rooting for him.

I see Teyshawn Price when I look at Garcia. If he ends up in the right system he might do something, if not, I just don't see it.

 

Hopefully I will be wrong.

I'm also thinking he won't pan out in the pros.

I disagree, I think Fransisco will have a long NBA career. He won't be a superstar by any stretch of the imagination, but he has nice size and a very nice shot. He also has a very solid handle for his size. He also plays solid defense, but will definitely have to gain 20+ pounds for the NBA. He also shoots free throws very well which I think is always very important for guards. What concerns me about him is his outside stroke, it was pretty average on the college level, with his best shooting season actually being his freshmen year.

I think Garcia is going to be a very good pro, jmo.

Overrated big time