BYU basketball: Plaisted to enter draft

PROVO — BYU's basketball program will proceed in the weeks to come as if junior Trent Plaisted will return next year to help the Cougars try for a threepeat Mountain West Conference title, according to head coach Dave Rose.

In the meantime, Rose believes Plaisted is making the correct, calculated, mature decision to find out his worth by placing his name in the NBA draft, a decision he can back out of without penalty on June 16, and resume his BYU career because he has not hired an agent.

"If he returns, we're preparing a place for him. If we learn, in coming weeks, more about Trent's situation as to the NBA draft, we'll make adjustments and start making other preparations," said Rose. "But Trent is smart, he's approaching this in a mature matter and he has our support."

Plaisted told reporters Thursday that playing in the NBA is a lifelong dream and, with financial support of friends and family, he'll pay his own expenses to work out and attend camps and find out if it is worth it to pursue a professional career. If the feedback is negative, he said he is anxious and eager to return for his senior year.

"The way I see it, everything is a positive for me right now," he said.

Fielding questions about his abilities, his position in the draft, and what weight he might place on going in the first round or second round in his decision, Plaisted repeatedly reminded the media it is way too early to make any considerations or decisions.

"Things really don't heat up with the draft until the end of May. At that time, I'll have more answers about what I might do, but for right now, I'm going to work on my game and prepare myself the best I can to find out how I am evaluated. Different teams have different needs."

Plaisted said Rose will help him file formal papers with the NBA now. Once those are filed, NBA teams will begin finalizing evaluations they've already made on his talent throughout the season.

With his paperwork finished, Plaisted could receive and accept a trip to the Orlando pre-draft NBA camp at the end of May. It is the only such pre-draft camp he can attend with expenses paid.

For other trips, he foots the bill, including his plans to go to California after he finishes classes next week to work out with a professional trainer.

Plaisted said if he finishes schoolwork as planned, he will be two hours from earning a degree in economics, a manageable challenge if he returns to play for the Cougars next season.

Plaisted said Rose has received many inquiries from NBA scouts and teams and he's been advised this is a proper move. Plaisted also admitted while he has not signed with an agent, he has been in contact with some and listened to their advice.