Brey expects Harangody to test NBA waters

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame coach Mike Brey indicated forward Luke Harangody will announce Thursday that he will put his name in for the NBA draft, but keep open the option of returning for a senior season.

Brey didn't want to talk about the decision Wednesday night, saying after the team's postseason banquet that he wanted to keep the focus on seniors. When asked about Harangody, all he would say is: "We'll talk to you tomorrow about how we're going to attack the next two months. Basically it's a two-month project taking you up to June 15th."

That is the last day underclassmen can remove themselves from the draft. They must declare by April 26.

Harangody, who talked to the media before Brey, wouldn't reveal his decision. Like Brey, Harangody said it was a night for the seniors. He did say he's been flip-flopping on his decision.

"It's definitely a tough decision. Even being here tonight, think about all the great memories you've had with these guys. It's also a good situation to be in. I think any decision I make is going to be a good one."

Harangody, who averaged 23.3 points and 11.8 rebounds last season, would be the fourth Irish player to put his name in the draft in nine years under Brey. In 2001, Troy Murphy decided to keep his name in and was picked 14th by the Golden State Warriors. Chris Thomas in 2003 and Torin Francis in 2005 both opted to return. Neither was drafted.

Harangody, though, didn't sound like someone set on playing in the NBA next season.

"There's definitely a lot of huge reasons on each side of it, especially to come back here and play my senior year and lead the team and lead Notre Dame back to the NCAA tournament. That's a huge selling factor," he said.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)