Going pro was 'right thing' for Brackins

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The time for Craig Brackins to pursue his dream is now.

The Iowa State forward made it official Friday, forgoing his senior season to for a shot at the NBA. Brackins stayed in town to watch girlfriend Kelsey Bolte and the Cyclone women's team play in the Big 12 Tournament and spoke to reporters at halftime of ISU's quarterfinal game with Oklahoma State at Municipal Auditorium.

“I felt it was the right thing for me,” Brackins said. “I came back and did what I wanted to do. I played with my teammates and we fought hard. I was on the phone with my mom (Thursday) and was calling everybody. We talked about it and felt this was the best decision.”

He is planning to hire an agent, leaving him no opportunity to retain his eligibility.

Brackins nearly left a year ago, but said he wanted a shot at the NCAA Tournament. ISU went 15-17 overall and tied for ninth in the league at 4-12.

“I felt we had the team to do some things, unfortunately…it just didn't go our way,” Brackins said. “I don't regret my decision coming back.”

Most mock drafts project Brackins as a middle to late first-round selection.

The 6-10 forward averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds a game this season and was a second-team all-Big 12 pick. He ranks 12

^th

on ISU's all-time scoring chart with 1,539 points.

“If I work as hard as I can, whatever shows on the court shows,” said Brackins, who will go home to California next week.

Brackins' exit was expected.

Sophomore center Justin Hamilton's decision to transfer is a major blow to a team that next year will be without starters Brackins, Hamilton and Marquis Gilstrap, whose appeal for a sixth season of eligibility was denied by the NCAA.

Hamilton started 32 games this season, averaging 6.4 points and 5.4 rebounds a game. The Alpine, Utah, native said he wants to play somewhere closer to home.

Reserve guard Dominique Buckley also is leaving the team, Coach Greg McDermott announced Friday.

ISU is now left with a depleted roster.

“They'll be fine. I know they'll get through this,” Brackins said. “We have been through just as hard of time. Coach Mac will get the team together and the team will pull together.”