Thompson to Explore His NBA Options

Dijon Thompson, the 11th-leading scorer last season in the Pacific 10 Conference, announced Wednesday that he would make himself available for the NBA draft in June but refrain from hiring an agent in case his stock was low enough to prompt a return to UCLA for his senior season.

The 6-foot-7 swingman, who averaged 14.4 points for a Bruin team that finished 11-17, said he would, at his own expense, attend the predraft camp June 8-11 in Chicago to seek feedback from NBA executives as to where he might be selected in the June 24 draft. He must send a letter to the NBA expressing his interest in the draft by May 10.

Thompson said he had not decided on a draft-selection threshold that would determine whether he turned professional. He must withdraw from draft consideration by June 17 to maintain his college eligibility.

“I’m just going to see where I stand among my peers and get feedback from the NBA on what I need to work on to better myself as a player,” Thompson said. “Any answer they give you is not guaranteed, so I’ll still have to talk to my parents about it.

“If they say I’m not ready, it’s a no-brainer. I will come back and keep preparing myself like I am now.”

Thompson, as many underclassmen who are mulling their draft options do, has submitted a form to the NBA that would allow him to receive preliminary feedback from a survey of general managers and directors of player personnel. He is expected to receive the responses by May 3.

“That will hopefully give him a clear picture as to where they see him in terms of draft status,” UCLA Coach Ben Howland said.

Thompson averaged 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season and made 43.5% of his field goals and 38.3% of his three-point attempts.

Thompson’s decision could be influenced by an influx of top Bruin freshmen who play his position, including guard Arron Afflalo of Compton Centennial High. Malik Hairston, another highly regarded recruit, is still considering UCLA.

Thompson will continue to attend classes and work out with his Bruin teammates during spring quarter. A history major, he is on track to graduate by next winter if he stays in school.

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Thompson and T.J. Cummings shared the Bruins’ MVP award at Wednesday night’s basketball awards dinner.

Trevor Ariza was honored as the most valuable freshman and Brian Morrison was named top defensive player.

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Associated Press contributed to this report.