After Mississippi State was knocked out of the NCAA tournament, Mario Austin guaranteed he would lead the Bulldogs back to the NCAAs next season. But if Mississippi State is to return to the tournament in 2003, it will likely be without Austin’s powerful low-post presence. The 6 foot 9 sophomore changed his mind and decided to make himself eligible for the NBA draft in June. He has withdrawn from school and returned home to York, Ala.
“Right after the game I wanted to come back, but I had to really sit down and talk to my family,” Austin said Thursday.
Losing Austin, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, is a major blow to the Bulldogs, who were expected to contend in the Southeastern Conference next season with him. Mississippi State also must replace starters Michael Gholar and Marckell Patterson.
Point guard Derrick Zimmerman, who led the SEC in assists, shooting guard Timmy Bowers and power forward Michael Ignerski are the Bulldogs’ top returning players. Austin said he will attend the NBA’s pre-draft camp in Chicago, but not hire an agent until after the draft.
If he is unhappy with where he is picked, “I’ll come back,” he said.
A player who does not hire an agent can return to school even if he is drafted. The team that drafts the player retains his rights for a year after he leaves school, NBA spokesman Tim Franks said. A player can only be drafted once.
The 255-pound Austin is coming off a breakout year. He averaged 16.1 points and 7.6 rebounds while hitting 56 percent of his shots. He was the most valuable player of the SEC tournament, leading the surprising Bulldogs to their first championship in six years. Mississippi State (27-8) earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament and set a school record for victories.
Bulldogs coach Rick Stansbury was out of town recruiting and could not immediately be reached.
Austin was a highly touted recruit when he arrived in Starkville, but he didn’t make an immediate impact.
While his offensive game was solid, he was overweight. His defense was poor and he could only play in short stretches. He lost 30 pounds before his sophomore season and improved his defense. His strength and newfound quickness, made him one of the best big men in the SEC. He is also an adept passer.