Under NCAA rules, Alexander will retain the option to withdraw
from the draft and return for his senior season at WVU since he will not
sign with an agent. The NBA Draft early entry withdrawal deadline is
June 16, 10 days before the NBA Draft (June 26).
"Right now, my plan is to test the NBA waters, but my
inclination is to be back for my senior year at West Virginia
University," says Alexander. "I'm really looking forward to the
experience of being able to work out for some NBA teams.
"As of now, I cannot see myself leaving because it would be very
tough for me to miss a year playing with my teammates. In addition, I
love playing for WVU and for the fans. Coach Huggins and I have talked
extensively and we are working on this together."
"We are supportive of Joe and whatever Joe thinks he needs to do
for himself and his family," says head coach Bob Huggins. "If he decides
there is an opportunity out there for him, he will have 100 percent
support of the Mountaineer basketball program."
As a junior, Alexander led the Mountaineers in scoring at 16.9
points per game and in rebounding at 6.4 boards per game. WVU finished
26-11 and advanced to the NCAA "Sweet 16" last month.
The 2008 NBA Draft will be held on June 26 at Madison Square
Garden.