Lavoy Allen out of NBA draft

Temple junior forward Lavoy Allen withdrew his name from consideration for next month's NBA draft on Saturday, the final day for non-seniors to declare their intentions per NCAA rules.

Allen was unavailable for comment yesterday, but Owls coach Fran Dunphy spoke about his star player's decision.

"I'm happy for him, and I'm happy for the program, because it was the right thing to do," Dunphy said. "We move on, and hopefully, this time next year, he will be in a much more advantageous position."

This past winter, the 6-foot-9 Allen averaged 11.5 points and a team-high 10.7 rebounds to help Temple to a 29-6 season. Allen also was the key reason the Owls finished third in the nation in points allowed with 56.8 points per game, with his ability both to organize the Owls' team defense and make up for teammates' mistakes on that end of the floor.

Allen's return means Temple will have three starters back next season. As a result, the Atlantic Ten champion Owls will have designs on making the NCAA tournament again and advancing past the first round for the first time in four tries.

Allen submitted his name for the NBA draft on April 23. Last week, he said he was not "leaning one way or another right now."

Allen worked out for just the Portland Trail Blazers, with only two weeks to make a decision. The NCAA mandated a player must not miss a class to visit an NBA team.

"He took a look, and appreciated the opportunity, but he felt it was in his best interests to come back for his senior season," Dunphy said.

Other reported withdrawals: Penn State's Talor Battle; Richmond's Kevin Anderson; Virginia Tech's Malcolm Delaney; Morehead State's Kenneth Faried; Brigham Young's Jimmer Fredette; Seton Hall's Jeremy Hazell; Purdue's E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson; Illinois' Demetri McCamey and Mike Davis; and Florida's Alex Tyus.