Lamb weighing options at his own, cool pace

Storrs — Jeremy Lamb once described himself as a "chill dude."

He certainly lived up to that description Friday when asked about his future basketball plans.

Answering questions in his typical cool, calm manner, Lamb gave no indication whether he'll return for his junior season at UConn or declare himself eligible for the 2012 NBA draft.

"I'm just weighing my options right now, staying in shape and working out and getting ready for whatever comes," Lamb said while walking down a Gampel Pavilion hallway.

"There's no timetable."

Lamb, a 6-foot-5 inch guard, has some time to chill and think about his decision. The deadline for players to enter the NBA draft pool is April 29.

Signs point to Lamb leaving.

He came close to entering the draft following his freshman season. He improved his draft stock this season, earning All-Big East first team and honorable mention Associated Press All-American honors. He led the Huskies in scoring (17.7 ppg.) and also averaged 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals. He shot a respectable 47.8 percent from the field.

Most mock NBA drafts predict Lamb will be a lottery pick, going in the No. 12 to 14 range.

Lamb already has met with coach Jim Calhoun, who is attending the Final Four in New Orleans.

"He said do what's best," Lamb said. "He'll support me either way."

Assistant coach Kevin Ollie, who played 13 seasons in the NBA, offered similar advice.

Lamb says he plans to talk with his family before making a choice. "It's a huge decision, a big decision," he said. "You could say it's tough."

Freshman Andre Drummond also has a huge decision to make. It also will be difficult for Drummond, an athletic 6-10, 270-pound center, to resist the pull of the NBA draft considering he's projected to be a high lottery pick.

Drummond averaged 10 points and led the Huskies in rebounding (7.6) and blocks (2.7) per game. He was a member of the All-Big East rookie team.

If he does leave, he'll be the first UConn player to jump to the NBA after just one season.

g.keefe@theday.com