Diaz To Enter NBA Draft
March 29, 2006
Coral Gables, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – University of Miami junior guard Guillermo Diaz (Carolina, P.R.) has decided to forgo his senior season and make himself eligible for the NBA draft.
Diaz started all 34 games this season averaging 17.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. A two-time All-ACC selection, Diaz led the Hurricanes in scoring each of the last two seasons and ends his UM career ranked 10th on its career scoring list with 1,477 points.
“Guillermo felt that this was the best time for him to enter the draft and I support that decision,” said Miami head coach Frank Haith. “In the two seasons I’ve been at Miami he has been as exciting a player as I’ve been around, and I have seen progress in his game.”
“I’m extremely supportive of my players and want what is best for them,” Haith added. “I know Guillermo is excited and I am excited for him because he is living a dream right now. This is something that he has wanted since he started playing basketball. I wish him the best and hope to see him on an NBA roster next season.”
Diaz, who was named first-team All-District 6 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches for the second consecutive season, ranks fourth on Miami’s all-time list for three-point field goals (174) and is fifth in career three-point field goal percentage (.380).
“I want to thank the University of Miami – its students, faculty and fans – for all of their support these past three years,” said Diaz. “I would like to acknowledge Coach Frank Haith, all the coaches, and my teammates for their support, guidance and friendship. Coach Haith is a special person, and he has helped me to improve as a basketball player and to mature as a man. I am excited about my future, and I will always have fond memories and close friendships because of my time at the University of Miami. It is an exceptional school, and I will always be proud to be a Hurricane.”
The NBA Draft will be held on Wednesday, June 28 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event will be televised by ESPN beginning at 7 p.m.
