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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:31 a.m., Sunday, April 27, 2008

CBKB: UCLA's Josh Shipp to enter NBA draft, but won't hire agent

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — UCLA's Josh Shipp will enter the NBA draft, but the junior won't hire an agent, leaving him the option of returning to play for the Bruins.

Shipp averaged 12.2 points and 3.2 rebounds during UCLA's run to its third consecutive Final Four. The Bruins lost to Memphis in the national semifinals.

"After speaking with my family and with coach (Ben) Howland, I think I should test the NBA waters to get some feedback," Shipp said in a statement Sunday. "I feel like it really can't hurt me at this time. I want to go through the process this year, which will serve as a positive experience for me in my future development."

Shipp is the fourth UCLA starter to enter the June draft, along with freshman Kevin Love, sophomore Russell Westbrook and junior Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. On Saturday, point guard Darren Collison announced he will return for his senior season.

Shipp started a school-record 39 games this season and led the Bruins in 3-point field goals. He announced his decision on the final day for underclassmen to declare for the draft.

"It has been great being a part of so many winning teams," he said. "But at the same time, I'm at the later stages of my college career and I think it would be an advantage for me to test this year."