Fortson declares draft; no agent hired

FAYETTEVILLE – Sophomore point guard Courtney Fortson has decided to declare for the 2010 NBA Draft, but has not hired an agent, Arkansas head men’s basketball coach John Pelphrey said on Sunday afternoon.

Fortson, a second-team All-SEC player this season, led the Razorbacks with 17.9 points per game and was the Southeastern Conference’s leading assist man in league games with 5.9 per contest and second leading rebounder among guards with 5.4 per game. He was named the SEC Player of the Week on Feb. 8 after leading Arkansas to a pair of victories over Georgia and Auburn and averaging more than 25 points per game. On Jan. 28, Fortson scored 35 points against Mississippi State including 33 in the second half, matching the Bulldogs total in another Razorback victory. He was an All-Freshman league player in 2008-09 after averaging 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.

"Courtney is an extremely gifted basketball player," Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey said. "He certainly has the talent to play the game of basketball at the highest levels and we support him in his decision to explore that option. He has not hired an agent, so the possibility remains that he could be with us next season. More than anything we appreciate Courtney and his family communicating to us his intentions and support his actions whichever they may be."

The Razorbacks experienced a similar situation last season when Mike Washington entered his name into consideration for the draft following his junior season. Washington later withdrew his name from draft consideration and returned to Arkansas. Fortson remains enrolled in classes at Arkansas.

Fortson has until May 8 to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft. The 2010 NBA Draft is scheduled for June24 and consists of two rounds and 60 total picks.