Krauser to test NBA waters but without an agent

Pitt fans just may have seen Carl Krauser do his signature “X” for the last time.

The Bronx,… Pitt fans just may have seen Carl Krauser do his signature “X” for the last time.

The Bronx, N.Y., native, who will turn 24 next month, announced Tuesday morning that he will forego his senior season and make himself eligible for the 2005 NBA Draft, the second Panther in eight days to do so.

Unlike teammate Chris Taft, who declared on April 4, however, Krauser will not sign with an agent, meaning he can still return for his senior season if he doesn’t like his chances in the draft. Krauser has until June 21, a week before the draft takes place, to exercise the option of returning to school.

“It was kind of my decision, my call,” the redshirt junior Krauser said. “I love to compete and I felt I was right about going and playing against the best competition and I figure at the next level, if I get invited, I will have that opportunity.”

“With Carl scheduled to graduate this year, he wants to see where he stands with NBA Draft possibilities,” head coach Jamie Dixon said. “He has expressed a desire not to retain an agent and have the opportunity to return to the University of Pittsburgh next year. We support him in his goals while he finishes up requirements for graduation.”

The next step for Krauser, on top of completing his educational requirements for his scheduled graduation, is trying to get an invitation to the NBA Pre-Draft Camp June 7-10 at Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute. Once there, he will get a better feel for where he will go in the draft and whether or not another year of college basketball is in store.

“I’m going to leave my options open,” Krauser said. “I’m going to try to get into the Chicago camp and see what happens.”

“I’m always looking for new types of competition and new challenges,” he added. “I figure, at the next level, I can get that challenge, and I think that also with me just going out there and testing the waters and just having the options, it will be good for me.”

Many analysts, including Krauser himself, envision the 6-foot-2-inch guard a second round pick at this point, but a strong showing at the camp could elevate his draft status. Dixon stressed the differences between Krauser’s case and that of Taft, who is projected to be a top-10 pick in the draft, calling both “uniquely different situations.”

Krauser earned All-Big East Second Team honors for the second straight season this year, leading the Panthers in scoring (16.0 points per game), 3-point field goals made (54), free throw percentage (.750), assists (5.9 assists per game) and steals (51). His efforts propelled Pitt to a 20-9 record and fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, the longest streak in school history.

His departure leaves Pitt not only with a void at the point guard position, but still another lost starter. The inside tandem of Taft and the graduated Chevon Troutman is also gone, meaning the Panthers will have to break in three new starters next season.

Dixon said he expects Ronald Ramon, who spent most of his freshman season at the shooting guard position, to handle the bulk of the point guard duties next season.