English, who declared for early entry into the NBA Draft in April and told The Advertiser last week he was "100 percent sure" he would turn pro, relinquished his NCAA eligibility by signing with an agent.

English graduated last month but had one year left of eligibility.

"It was a great run and I have so many good memories," English said. "But I feel like I'm ready to move on to the next level."

English, a 6-foot-5 guard, signed with agent Harold Cipin of Slingshot Management Inc. (SMI). Cipin said he primarily represents athletes from Canada. English was born and raised in Patrick's Cove, Newfoundland, Canada.

"Because of Carl's work ethic and physical abilities, we think he can become a star in the NBA," Cipin said. "He has the kind of background that appeals everywhere. But we feel like he can be especially marketable in Canada."

Cipin said his first priority for English is to arrange more private workouts with NBA teams. English is already scheduled to work out for the Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves this week. In the following weeks, he has scheduled workouts with Atlanta, Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans and Utah.

Cipin will also try to negotiate shoe and basketball-apparel deals for English.

"It just helps me to relax not having to worry about that stuff," English said. "Now I can concentrate on just the basketball stuff and (Cipin) can take care of the rest."

English had a productive showing at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp at Chicago last week, and he said that performance convinced him to sign with an agent.

"I accomplished what I wanted to do up there, and got (NBA) people to notice me," he said. "Everybody I talked to said I improved my (draft) chances, so my goal now is to keep improving and work my way into the first round."

Cipin added: "We believe Carl can be a late first-round draft choice. There are teams out there who think he could be the best shooter in the draft."

The NBA Draft, which is scheduled for June 26, consists of two rounds (58 total selections). English is listed as a second-round pick in most mock drafts across the Internet.

Only 12 players in UH history have been selected in the NBA Draft, and the last was Reggie Cross (second round) in 1989.

"Nothing's guaranteed, I realize that," English said. "But I'm going to give it my best shot."

UH head coach Riley Wallace said the 'Bows could have been a "top 20" nationally ranked team had English decided to return.

"I think Carl could have come back (to UH) and been a solid first-round pick next year," Wallace said. "But I support him totally in what he wants to do."

Wallace said he signed five recruits for next season in part because he did not expect English to return.