Wake Forest's Williams submits name for NBA draft, doesn't plan to hire agent

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) Wake Forest junior center Eric Williams joined sophomore guard Chris Paul in submitting his name for early entry for the NBA draft. Unlike Paul, however, Williams doesn't plan to hire an agent, leaving him the option of returning to school.

"He wants to work hard and try to be in the draft for 2005," his mother, Debra Williams, told the News and Observer of Raleigh on Tuesday. "That's his goal."

If the 6-foot-9 Williams is told he's a first-round pick, he probably will stay in the draft, his mother said.

Paul announced last week that he was leaving the Demon Deacons and the All-America plans to hire an agent. At Paul's news conference, Williams declined to disclose his plans, but at the team's annual banquet the night before, he said he would at least find out his draft status before making a final decision.

"It's a decision that I'll make for myself, by myself and with my family," Williams said then.

He averaged 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds for Wake Forest (27-6), which set a school record for victories.

Underclassmen have until May 14 to apply for the draft. Those who don't hire an agent have until June 21, one week before the draft, to withdraw their names.