In a move fans of the Washington State Cougars have been expecting, DeAngelo Casto announced he will enter the 2011 NBA Draft and forgo his final year of eligibility. Casto does not show up on any NBA Draft projections, but he is determined to play professionally somewhere, even if that means playing overseas. In the meantime, Casto has left Pullman and headed to Las Vegas to workout ahead of the draft in an effort to, hopefully, find a landing spot.
The news comes from Vince Grippi, who hinted at Casto's possible departure on Thursday before getting in touch with him to confirm it on Friday. Grippi gave a bit of insight into Casto's draft stock and what scouts are staying.
Some of the NBA scouts I talked with over the course of the season pointed out how skinny his legs were, though they also pointed out that was an area that he could improve on. But one scout also pointed out his hands, how small they are, saying they can't be fixed.
It's been assumed for quite some time that Casto would end up playing professionally in Europe. He has a young son to provide for and without help from his family -- he had a rough situation growing up that's been chronicled numerous places -- Casto felt it was time to attempt to make a living playing basketball.
With Casto out of the mix, the Cougars become woefully thin in the post, where no other starter brings the bulk and skillset to the table that he does. Washington State fans are also holding their breath in anticipation of an announcement from Klay Thompson, who is currently considering early entry into the 2011 NBA Draft.
For more on Casto's decision and the Washington State Cougars, head over to SB Nation's CougCenter.