Shane Larkin Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Larkin Expected To Test Draft Waters

March 30th, 2013 at 5:41pm CST by Ryan Raroque

University of Miami guard Shane Larkin is expected to submit his name for this year's NBA Draft with the possibility of withdrawing, says Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida.

After seeing about an 11 MPG increase in playing time in 2012-13, the 5'11 sophomore nearly doubled his scoring and assists averages relative to his freshman season, producing 14.5 PPG and 4.6 APG this year (compared to 7.4 and 2.5 in 2011-12). Larkin's field goal percentages (47.9% overall and 40.6% from long range) along with a two steals per game are worth noting as well.

Byron Larkin, Shane's uncle and adviser, spoke about the likelihood that his nephew tests the draft waters: “That’s probably what is going to happen…That’s what they’re going to do. You want to get as much information as possible. We’ll probably have (Miami coach Jim) Larranaga get some opinions on where he stands and he’ll sit down with Shane."

Larranaga, who has already spoken to some NBA personnel and hears that it's too early to determine where Larkin could be drafted, also agreed that Shane would likely submit his name into consideration. Though there is no final decision as of right now, the general feeling is that there is no harm in getting a feel for his standing as a draft prospect, whether or not Larkin decides to stay in Miami or leave for the NBA soon.

Odds & Ends: Hunter, Smart, Larkin

March 21st, 2013 at 11:06pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Here are a few more odds and ends to round up the latest on the Association tonight:

Scott Bordow of AZ Central writes that the interim tag on Lindsey Hunter as the Suns head coach will remain for the rest of the season. GM Lon Babby says that the team will wait until the summer to determine Hunter's future.
Marcus Smart of Oklahoma State suffered a sprain in his right wrist during the team's exit from the NCAA tournament today, tweets Marc J. Spears of Yahoo. Though Smart struggled during the game, one scout maintained that the 6'4" guard is a top 5 prospect and would be "crazy" to not declare for the draft this year (Twitter link). ESPN's Chad Ford tweeted that Smart is still not a lock to leave and is contemplating a return to school next year.
In an ESPN Insider article, Ford says that University of Miami guard Shane Larkin will not make a decision about his future until after the team's season is officially over.
Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston talks about how rookie center Fab Melo has "come back to earth" a bit after posting up monster numbers in the D-League earlier this year. Though still raw, there is hope that the Celtics' center can use his time in the NBDL to improve his footwork and rebounding.
There are lingering questions about Richard Hamilton being able to return to action for the Bulls this season, notes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. With regard to the veteran shooting guard's back problems, coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters: "It’s not clearing up right now, so we have to wait.’’
As for Derrick Rose, Sam Smith of Bulls.com says that the waiting game continues as the superstar point guard continues to fuel speculation about his return.
Former Suns front office GM Steve Kerr says that while a return to management is unlikely, he would consider returning to basketball as a college coach (Michael Hiestand of USA Today reports).