According to Adam Zagoria, Pitt junior guard Ashton Gibbs will enter the NBA Draft, but has not hired an agent. That means that Gibbs will go through some of the pre-draft process, but will still have the option to return to school.
This is a common thing for underclassmen because it gives them the chance to talk to NBA scouts and decision makers without violating any NCAA rules regarding contact with professional teams. Prospects can find out where they might be drafted if they came out this year, which parts of their game need improvement to raise that stock and how much they have to gain by going back to school; all without forfeiting their collegiate eligibility.
Gibbs led the team in scoring with 16.8 ppg while making just under half of his shots from behind the arc. Over the course of his three years he has proven to be one of the best lead guards and most efficient offensive players in the Nation.
While it would be a lot better for Pitt fans if Gibbs just came out and said he was staying for his senior season, this announcement does not guarantee that he won't be with the Panthers next year by any means.
We'll be covering Gibbs' path to the NBA Draft, or back to school, in this stream.