[signoftimes]

Didn't know if this was posted yet, so I threw it in here.

Villanueva chooses UConn over NBA
By Associated Press, 6/19/2003 14:24
STORRS, Conn. (AP) High school star Charlie Villanueva has decided to withdraw his name from the NBA draft and will attend Connecticut next year, the New Haven Register reported Thursday.

Villanueva, who had until 4 p.m. to fax the NBA of his intentions, had worked out for several NBA teams in the past two weeks, including the New Jersey Nets Thursday morning.

''This is the smart decision for Charlie,'' Gary Charles, Villanueva's AAU coach for the Long Island Panthers told the Register. ''He doesn't want to be just a good NBA player. He feels if he goes to UConn, he can become a great NBA player.''

The 6-foot-10 220-pound forward from Brooklyn, N.Y., had said he would attend UConn if he didn't think he'd be a first-round selection in the draft.

Mike Enright, UConn sports information director, said the school had not heard of Villanueva's decision, but was expecting to have a statement later on Thursday.

Villanueva would join a recruiting class that also includes 6-10 240-pound power forward Josh Boone of Sykesville, Md.; 6-2 point guard Marcus Williams of Los Angeles and 6-6 junior college transfer Ryan Thompson of Gold Coast, Australia.

Ed Nelson, a 6-8 power forward, is also transferring from Georgia Tech but will have to sit out next season.

Villanueva averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds at Blair Academy in New Jersey last season.