Mario Chalmers to Remain in NBA Draft

June 16th, 2008 by Press Release

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Kansas guard Mario Chalmers has decided to skip his senior year at Kansas and stay in the NBA draft.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self made the announcement Sunday night, just hours after Chalmers informed him of his decision. He joins teammates Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur in giving up their collegiate eligibility for the NBA. The NBA draft is June 26.

Chalmers led the Jayhawks with 97 steals and was just as good on the offensive end, tying Arthur for second in scoring with 12.8 points. He also had a knack for hitting big shots, none bigger than his last-second 3-pointer that sent the national championship game into overtime.

Kansas rallied past Memphis 75-68 for the NCAA championship.

Self said he anticipated Chalmers would pursue an NBA career since April when the 21-year-old guard from Alaska declared without an agent.

Chalmers said ``being at Kansas has made me a better player and better person.''