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Archie to test professional prospects
USC's Dominique Archie defends the inbounds pass of Ben Allison in the second half of their game.
Jeff Blake/jblake@thestate.com /The State
CommentsDominique Archie has declared for the NBA draft, but the USC men’s basketball player will not sign an agent and plans to return for his senior season.
Archie informed Gamecock coach Darrin Horn of his intention Thursday afternoon.
“Coach Horn and I have spoken and he is in full support of me going through the process to gain feedback on my future as a professional,” Archie said in a statement released by the school. “Therefore I am entering my name in the draft with the full intention of returning to the University of South Carolina for my senior season.”
The Gamecocks will monitor the status of Archie and guard Devan Downy, who declared for the draft last week but also did not hire an agent.
Both players are fourth-year juniors. There is an outside chance at best of either player going professional.
Downey is USC’s star, but Archie is one of its most important players. He played in the post most of his career before moving to small forward midway through this season, and averaged 10.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Archie was named honorable mention All-SEC by the Associated Press. He has started every game for the Gamecocks the past three seasons.
Archie is close to graduating, and would be a graduate student next season. Sources close to him expect Archie to return, citing his desire to graduate, but would not rule out going pro if he hears good things from scouts.
“We are confident that Dominique’s decision to enter his name in the draft and go through the process will give him valuable experience that will help with future decisions,” Horn said in the statement.
Reach Emerson at (803) 771-8676.
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