VCU's Eric Maynor to stay in school

VCU's Eric Maynor shoots above ODU's Darius James (left) and Gerald Lee from a game in February. Virginia Commonwealth University's star point guard resolved what has been a tough few weeks by opting to forgo a shot at the NBA and return to VCU for his senior season.

By: By TIM PEARRELL RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH | WSLS
Published: April 23, 2008

The anxiety of determining his future no longer weighs on Eric Maynor.

Virginia Commonwealth University's star point guard yesterday resolved what has been a tough few weeks by opting to forgo a shot at the NBA and return to VCU for his senior season.

A few hours after meeting with his father, George; and VCU coach Anthony Grant, Maynor emerged from a late-afternoon workout happy -- a feeling Rams fans no doubt share -- and talking about next year.

"I want to try to achieve more things, go farther in the NCAA tournament," he said.

Maynor had considered declaring for the NBA draft as an early entry. The Colonial Athletic Association's player of the year has been projected by some Internet draft sites as a late first-round or early second-round pick.

As an underclassman, he had until Sunday to file the paperwork.

"I was really getting frustrated," he said. "Sometimes I'd sit there at night at my computer thinking, 'What am I going to do?'"

Ultimately, the 6-2, 175-pound Maynor determined he would benefit from another season to get physically stronger and improve his all-around game.

"The guys at the next level, like Baron Davis, Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, they're really strong," Maynor said. "I have to get stronger and work on my defense."

Maynor also knows the draft will be deep with guards who are high first-round picks, including Derrick Rose, Jerryd Bayless and O.J. Mayo.

"You've got to look at that," Maynor said. "It's reality."

Maynor said one fan who was happy with his decision was his mother, Barbara.

"She said the NBA will be there," he said. "She wanted me to get my degree."

Maynor has a 3.0 grade-point average and is on track to graduate with a degree in sports management.

"I think it was the best decision for Eric," said Grant, who said he was supportive of Maynor either way. "We're very excited to have him leading our team next year.

"I believe [he can play in the NBA]. . . . At the end of the day, I think he'll have an opportunity to prove that."

Contact staff writer Tim Pearrell at tpearrell@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6965.