When will Dominic James declare for the NBA draft?

Tick tock, tick tock. Will Dominic James test the NBA waters this month?

Marquette's point guard has until April 29 to declare for the NBA draft and can withdraw his name from the pool as late as June 21. In a draft nearly devoid of senior point guards pegged as possible first round prospects (Acie Law IV, Sean Singletary, Aaron Brooks are the exceptions), exploring NBA options seems like a smart decision for James. It would also make sense for fellow non-senior PGs to do the same -- players like Mike Conley, Ty Lawson, Mario Chalmers, Darren Collison, Taurean Green and Javaris Crittenden. They'd be silly not to, and if they do that's good news for MU fans. And why wait around for the pleasure of being slotted after O.J. Mayo, Derrick Rose, and Eric Gordon in 2008?

James has been picked apart by skeptics and critics these last few months following an underwhelming sophomore season. Still, despite his depressed shooting percentages last year, James has things that you simply can't coach: sick hops, strength, remarkable speed and athleticism. And remember, the NBA drafts based on potential rather than production. If theres' a little mystery to a player's game, an inkling that a prospect can improve in one or two areas to become a very good NBA player -- well, the first round of every draft is full of players like that. Add in the potentially thin point guard class and the more wide open style of play in the NBA -- hey, who knows what can happen.

And let's face it, there's something to be said for declaring and going to the draft before your game is picked apart further and your skills are devalued. Or before injury sets in. Look at Chris Thomas, Chris Marcus, Randy Livingston, Ricky Paulding, Chris Porter, Terrence Morris and a host of players who failed to strike while the iron was hot. Individually, waiting to go to the NBA cost them millions.

Regardless, it says here that Dominic James will declare for the NBA draft soon, but will not hire an agent in order to protect his collegiate eligbility. I'd fully expect several other point guards to declare early --- so unless DJ blows up in individual workouts/the pre-draft camp expect him back at MU next season.