Shackleford to Turn Pro, Skip Season at North Carolina State

North Carolina State center Charles Shackleford said Tuesday he will skip his senior season and turn pro.

“I have given this decision a great deal of thought for a number of weeks,” the 6-10 junior said in a release. “In talking with Coach (Jim) Valvano a few weeks ago, I thought I was staying at the school. But I have changed my mind. I now believe it is in the best interest that I apply for the (National Basketball Assn.) hardship draft.”

Shackleford earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors last season, averaging 16.6 points a game and leading the ACC in rebounding with 9.6 per game.

The Wolfpack finished the 1988 season with a 24-8 record, 10-4 in the ACC.

“I have had weekly discussions with Charles and told him I would support his decision either way,” Valvano said. “He notified me late Monday of his intentions to apply for the hardship draft. He will be a loss to our program next year, but we appreciate the contributions he has made over the last three years.”