ESPN- Mihm undecided; Swift says he's staying

From the ESPN site:
http://www.espn.go.com/ncb/s/2000/0503/514478.html

Mihm undecided; Swift says he's staying

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

Here's what we know about potential top five draft picks Texas' Chris Mihm and LSU's Stromile Swift as the early entry deadline quickly approaches: both are apparently going to class and workouts every day.

Stromile Swift is still working out with the LSU basketball team.

Does that mean they'll stay in school and spurn the NBA, for at least another year?

Not exactly.

All it means is that the coaching staffs of both schools have no reason to believe either player will bolt -- yet.

"From day one, Chris has said he was going to finish school and then think about it," Texas coach Rick Barnes said. "He's got finals this week and then next week and then he'll go over it."

Barnes said Mihm has been a regular in the weight room and in the gym.

"He knows where he is in the draft and where he would be next year," Barnes said of the 7-foot junior. "He could get a lot better, but leaving for the NBA is about as much mentally as it is physically."

Mihm is scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday, May 12, but there has been no indication on what the announcement is going to be.

If Mihm declares, he could be the first player taken -- depending on the draft order and the needs of the top team. Mihm has the tools to be an effective NBA center with his low-post moves, soft hands and nimble feet.

The lottery order and the complete draft order will be announced on May 21.

Meanwhile, Swift could give Mihm, Cincinnati's Kenyon Martin and Iowa State's Marcus Fizer a run for the top spot if he were to change his mind and declare for the draft.

Swift said he was returning for his junior season during the NCAA Tournament West Regional in Albuquerque, N.M. But, for some reason, NBA scouts don't believe him.

"Why can (Duke's) Shane Battier say he's staying and everyone leaves him alone, but they don't believe Stromile?" said LSU coach John Brady. "Why do people listen to agents and pro scouts. They obviously want him to come out."

Brady said he can only go on what Swift is doing during the final few weeks of school. The 6-9 forward has been a model citizen in school and workouts, according to Brady.

"He was late once and he ran a mile and a half," Brady said. "Does that sound like someone who would leave? If he comes out, it will be a surprise to us. His mother hasn't surprised us yet. She has the right to change her mind, but she says he's staying. Stromile hasn't missed a class. I can't react to every rumor or report on a web page."

Brady said he's getting tired of the daily questions from reporters about Swift's status. But the reason they keep coming to LSU while Duke remains quiet is because of Swift's potential to be No. 1. His quick feet and spin moves inside, rebounding tenacity and athleticism from 15-feet in make Swift a potential Kevin Garnett-like pro.

"Based on what he's doing -- he's staying," Brady said. "He's said it time and time again. Stromile says it and nobody listens or believes it."

LSU's classes end this week and finals are next week, just in time for the early entry deadline.

Both coaches have reason to be anxious: their fortunes for next season ride on Mihm and Swift. Texas finally has the guards to keep double-teams off Mihm with the arrival of Wichita State transfer Maurice Evans and returning guard Darren Kelly to go along with Chris Owens and McDonald's All-American Brian Boddicker inside. LSU lost only center Jabari Smith, with Swift getting to play with the other three starters who won the SEC West and reached the Sweet 16.

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Despite the title, this is speculation by Katz.