Holiday to Test NBA Waters

UCLA freshman guard Jrue Holiday announced today that he would make himself eligible for the NBA draft but will not hire an agent at this time in order to maintain his NCAA eligibility.

"After speaking with my parents and with Coach (Ben) Howland and the coaching staff, I feel that it is in my best interest to test the waters and see where I land in the NBA draft," Holiday said. "I'm taking this opportunity now so that I can keep my eligibility and keep my options open. I'm not signing with an agent."

Holiday averaged 8.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 2008-09 and was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team. He scored a season-high 20 points in the win over FIU (Nov. 29, 2008) and recorded his only double-double of the season of 12 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Louisiana Tech (Dec. 28, 2008).

"I really enjoyed my first year at UCLA, being part of such a historic program," Holiday added. "I have a great connection with my coaching staff and love all my teammates, so I couldn't ask for anything more."

In 2009, Holiday ranked ninth in the Pac-10 in all games in assists, fourth in steals and sixth in assist/turnover ratio (1.7).

"There's no question that Jrue (Holiday) is a first-round NBA Draft pick," Howland said. "He's very excited about his opportunity to be an NBA player and I'm 100 percent behind him and proud of him. We are very happy for both Jrue and his family."

 

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