Mississippi St G Newman opts for NBA draft, won't hire agent

Mar 22, 2016 - 8:39 PM STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) Mississippi State guard Malik Newman says he will declare for the NBA draft, but won't hire an agent, leaving open the possibility that he could return to school.

Newman made the announcement Tuesday during a news conference on campus. The NCAA adopted a rule last year that allows underclassmen the ability to attend the NBA's pre-draft combine in May and receive an evaluation. The player can then decide whether or not to stay in the draft.

The 6-foot-3 Newman was one of the nation's top recruits, but had an inconsistent freshman season and was plagued by nagging injuries.

He played in 29 of 33 games, starting 22 of them. Newman averaged 11.3 points per game while shooting 39 percent from the field, including 38 percent from 3-point range.