Malik Newman to follow his dream to NBA, won't hire agent

STARKVILLE — The NBA followed Malik Newman through his entire first year at Mississippi State. He signed with the program as a one-and-done talent. The hype only grew after he made 13 of 15 3-pointers during Maroon Madness.

The regular season generated more polarizing thoughts with 25 points against Ole Miss and then three in the rematch.

Newman ended most of the conversation Tuesday by declaring for the NBA draft, with a small caveat.

“I will be pursuing my dream of trying to play in the NBA,” Newman said. “I’m still leaving the option open that if I don’t hear the news that I would like to hear, I will be attending Mississippi State again.”

Newman will work out with NBA teams before signing an agent. It’s unclear at this point where the Jackson native will train in preparation for the NBA workouts. He has online classes remaining in the spring semester.

NCAA regulations allow Newman to work out for all 30 teams and the NBA combine. He has until May 25 to decide his future.

“At this point, we only get to work with our players two hours a week,” coach Ben Howland said. “He needs four hours a day for the opportunity to do his very best.”

Newman came to the decision on Monday to officially announce his intentions to pursue an NBA career. The former McDonald’s All-American’s goal is to be selected in the first round.

Newman’s odds of returning increase if NBA teams believe he’s a second-round talent.

“If it’s second round, I’m pretty sure I’ll be back,” Newman said.

ESPN’s Chad Ford ranks Newman as a second-round pick. The freshman averaged 11.3 points per game.

More than the numbers, injuries defined Newman’s season at Mississippi State. He began with a turf toe injury, which forced him to miss three weeks of practice and held him out of the season opener. He also dealt with cramps, a knee injury and back spasms. The list of ailments never allowed the 6-foot-2 guard to gain any type of rhythm on the court.

“I think the injuries were a setback throughout the season,” Newman said. “So with my body being healthy and me being 100 percent, I think I’ll be a totally different player.”

Arnett Moultrie was a junior and the last Mississippi State player to declare early for the NBA draft. Miami selected the forward in the first round with the 27th overall pick in 2012.

Newman can join the former Bulldog and become the first freshman to declare in school history.

“It’s very exciting,” Newman said. “It’s right there. I Just have put in all the time and hard work to make the dreams happen.”

Kellenberger: It's time for Malik to go

Contact Michael Bonner at mbonner@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @MikeBBonner on Twitter.