GoGamecocks.com
Road to Europe may be path for pair
Downey set to meet with Milwaukee, but 2010 draft stock could rise overseas
South Carolina guard Devan Downey, left
John Amis/AP
CommentsPlaying in Europe has emerged as a stronger option for the basketball careers of USC players Devan Downey and Dominique Archie.
Downey has received interest from teams in Russia, Turkey, Italy and France, according to a source close to the player.
The USC point guard has not made a decision, and he likely will not make an announcement until closer to the Monday deadline for withdrawing from the NBA draft.
The two juniors have been going through workouts with NBA teams. While neither is likely to be picked in the draft, playing in Europe would allow each player to start his pro career, with the expectation that a year overseas would improve Downey’s and Archie’s draft stock for 2010.
Archie's is weighing three options, according to sources close to him:
• Signing a deal with an NBA team as undrafted free agent;
• Playing in Europe;
• Returning to USC.
Returning to school remains an option for Downey as well because neither he nor Archie has signed with an agent.
DeAndre Scott, who was Downey's coach at Chester High School, said his former player stated in a text message Wednesday afternoon that he was "50-50" on his decision.
Downey is to attend an NBA workout today in Milwaukee, his third of the week, after trips to Houston on Monday and Chicago on Tuesday.
"The way things are nowadays, basketball is growing all over the world," Scott said. "Those teams are willing to pay quality players to come over and play. If Devan doesn't reach his goal of the NBA, it's a distinct possibility. Even if it's not this year, then maybe next year."
When Downey and Archie entered the NBA draft, it was with the intention to test the waters, as neither was considered a likely draft pick. That doesn't appear to have changed.
But both are fourth-year players who will turn 22 during the upcoming season, and sources close to each speculated they could be ready to turn the page in their basketball careers.
Playing overseas has become a more popular option lately for players with college eligibility remaining. Clemson's Terence Oglesby, a sophomore, recently announced he would sign with a team in Italy or Spain. Florida's Nick Calathes, also a sophomore, signed with a team in Greece despite having a good chance to be a first-round pick in the NBA draft.
The departures of Downey and Archie would put second-year Gamecocks coach Darrin Horn in rebuilding mode. Downey, 5-foot-9, has been among the SEC's leaders in points, assists and steals the past two seasons. Archie, a 6-7 forward, has started every game the past three seasons.
"I told (Downey) it's a win-win decision," Scott said. "Whatever you decide to do, it's going to be great for you."
Reach Emerson at (803) 771-8676.
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