3:12pm: Echoing his father's comments, Smith confirmed on SiriusXM radio today that he will enter the NBA draft, according to Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com (Twitter link).
8:38am: Although junior guard Russ Smith didn't have his best game on Monday night, shooting just 3-of-16 from the floor, his Louisville Cardinals held on to top Michigan and win the national championship. And according to his father, Russ Smith Sr., that'll be the perfect note on which to end his collegiate career.
"When you go out, you want to go out with a national championship," Smith Sr. told SI.com's Michael Rosenberg. "He's got five rings: back-to-back Big East, back-to-back Final Four, national championship. What other way to go out?"
Asked specifically whether his son would be turning pro, Smith Sr. replied, "He's gone."
Assuming Smith does officially declare his intent for June's draft, he's a good bet to be drafted, albeit not necessarily in the first round. Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com currently ranks him as the 39th-best prospect on the board, while ESPN.com's Chad Ford has him at No. 49. The 21-year-old averaged 18.7 PPG for Louisville in his junior year.
It’s questionable to leave when you’re projected as a second round pick. But hey, can’t blame a guy for going after his dream.
They give rings for winning a conference and making it to the Final Four? LOL