To the absolute surprise of no one, Carl Krauser is expected to make himself eligible for the NBA draft today. Krauser has until June 21 to decide to return to Pitt, provided he doesn’t hire an agent and does graduate in the spring.

Krauser might not be eligible next season even if he doesn’t turn pro. Krauser entered Pitt as a partial qualifier, so he must graduate this year to be eligible for the 2005-06 season. Neither Krauser nor the school have said if he is on schedule to graduate.

Krauser also has another option: He can declare himself eligible for the draft without hiring an agent and then, after judging the NBA’s interest in him, choose to return to Pitt by withdrawing his name.

Pitt originally planned to make Krauser available to reporters Monday night to make his announcement, but then postponed the interviews until Tuesday.

Oh, and today is also the team banquet. Nice timing.

I’m going to assume for the moment that Krauser will graduate on time. This has been expected, and honestly it is a smart thing for Krauser. There’s no reason not to at least find out how he matches up with other point guards at the pre-draft camps and what his chances are to get drafted. I honestly don’t think he will be on most team’s list for either round. The draft is going to be deep with point guards.