Mays' dad: Tigers star still deciding on draft

The father of James Mays said his son is still considering whether to leave Clemson early and enter the NBA draft.

Hardrick Mays said Monday that his son will likely only leave early if he is projected as a first-round pick.

"We're still in comeback mode," he said. " We're still planning on him coming back and having a great season unless he's going to be a first- rounder. That hasn't changed. We're still hoping for the first round."

Mays, a 6-9 forward who averÂ-aged 12.2 points and 6.4 rebounds last season, might have enhanced his stock at last week's NBA preÂ-draft workouts in Orlando, Fla. Some observers said he solidified his status as a second-round pick. Hardrick Mays said his son was one of seven players who were asked to remain in Florida for furÂ-ther evaluation by NBA personnel. The camp was considered a showÂ-case for second-tier players, with most elite prospects skipping it.

Mike DeCourcy, who covers college basketball for The SportÂ-ing News, wrote that Mays "played with great energy and produced as a scorer and rebounder" at the preÂ-draft camp. " There's a spot for him in the league, though he might have a better shot at the first round in the 2008 draft," DeCourcy wrote.

Mays' return would be crucial for a team that returns four starters, losing only point guard Vernon Hamilton. The Tigers, who have made the National Invitation Tournament the past three years, hope to reach the NCAA TournaÂ-ment for the first time since 1998. Mays declared for the draft but did not hire an agent, which allows him to return to school if he withÂ-draws from the draft by June 18. The NBA Draft is June 28.

Reach Larry Williams at lwilliams@postandcourier.com.