Champaign, IL -- University of Illinois guard Dee Brown has made himself eligible for the 2005 NBA Draft. However, he has not signed with an agent, leaving open the possibility of returning to the Illini for his senior season.

"We certainly understand Dee and his family's desire to more closely explore his NBA options and gain a better understanding of where his position would be in the draft," Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said. "We will continue to educate Dee about his standing through feedback from his team workouts, and we hope that whatever decision he ultimately makes, that it's in his best interest for his long-term future."

Last season for Illinois, Brown ranked second in scoring with 13.3 points-per- contest, and reached double figures in 29 games.

Brown finished second in the Big Ten with 99 three-pointers, which is the second highest single-season total in school history. He was also second on the Illini and third in the Big Ten in assists, averaging 4.5 assists-per- game, while leading the team and ranking third in the Big Ten in steals, averaging 1.8 steals-per-game. He also led the team and ranked third in the Big Ten in assist/turnover ratio (2.42).

Both the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Brown also earned consensus first-team All-America honors and was the Sporting News National Player of the Year, as well as a Wooden Award All- American

Brown has until June 21 to withdraw his name from the draft eligible list and, by not signing with an agent, he could return to college without losing eligibility.

The draft is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.