UCLA: No Word Yet From Players

UCLA officials Thursday dismissed as premature a report that Jerome Moiso and JaRon Rush will make themselves available for the NBA draft, saying instead that the sophomore forwards have not made decisions on their futures.

The Daily News, citing anonymous sources close to the program, said Thursday that Moiso and Rush have ruled out a return to the Bruins in 2000-01, though the players said they have not made a decision.

“Everything right now with regard to JaRon and Jerome is speculation,” Coach Steve Lavin said. “When JaRon and Jerome decide what they are going to do, our sports information office will let everyone know, and then I will comment on the situation.”

Moiso contemplated an early jump to the NBA all season. He acknowledged that such considerations weighed on him heavily at times as pressure mounted to play perfectly every game to impress scouts, but he was back to wondering aloud when the end of the regular season and the NCAA tournament brought impressive showings.

NBA teams were intrigued all along, the 6-foot-10 Moiso having come on their radar screens even before his freshman season. But when the stretches of consistency came at the most critical time--the tournament--his stock received a major boost.

If he declares, Moiso is expected to go somewhere in the teens to early 20s, although that could change based on individual workouts and play in pre-draft camps. The prospects are far less encouraging for the 6-7 Rush.

Some UCLA coaches apparently have been led to believe Rush would be a first-round pick, but that speculation could be optimistic. Several NBA executives say, based on current standing, he might not get drafted at all.

But after spending two seasons in various stages of internal struggle--a lengthy suspension in 1999-2000, thoughts of transferring both years--it would not be a surprise if he believes the time has come to leave.