April 13, 2009

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - University of Memphis junior forward Shawn Taggart announced Monday that he submitted his paperwork to the NBA office, declaring for the league's 2009 draft. Taggart, who will graduate in May, still has one year of collegiate eligibility remaining.

"This (playing in the NBA) is a dream of mine, and I want to test the waters and see what feedback I receive," said Taggart. "Coach (Josh) Pastner has encouraged me to do this, and I'm thankful I have his support. After I get back all the information, I will talk it over with my family and Coach Pastner, and then make a decision at that time whether to remain in the draft or return for my final year here at Memphis."

A 2009 Conference USA All-Tournament Team pick, the 6-foot-10 forward played in all 37 games (27 starts) in the 2008-09 campaign and averaged 10.4 points and 7.6 rebounds. He shot 50.9 percent from the field 74.8 percent from the charity stripe and blocked 51 shots. Taggart led the Tigers in rebounding and free throw percentage and was second in field goal percentage and blocks and third in scoring. He finished the year ranked among Conference USA leaders in scoring (29th), rebounding (6th) and blocked shots (5th).

Taggart had eight double-doubles this past season, including four in the final 10 games. The Richmond, Va., native played strong down the stretch for the Tigers this past year. In the final 15 games of 2008-09, he averaged 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds, while shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 79.4 percent from the free throw line. In that 15-game stretch, Taggart had seven double-figure scoring games and five double-digit rebounding contests.

"Shawn and I have talked on a couple of occasions this past week, and I told him to go for it," said Memphis head coach Josh Pastner. "I support him in pursuing his dream, and when he receives feedback from the league, I will sit down with him and assist him any way I can in making his decision."

As a sophomore in 2007-08, Taggart averaged 6.3 points and 4.2 boards in a reserve role for the Tigers. He played in 30 of Memphis' 40 games that season. Taggart, who transferred from Iowa State, sat out the 2006-07 campaign as a result of the NCAA transfer rule. During his freshman campaign at Iowa State in 2005-06, Taggart played in 30 games and averaged 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds.

In his collegiate career (Memphis and Iowa State), Taggart has scored 743 points and has pulled down 512 boards. His career shooting percentages are 50.2 percent from the floor and 70.4 percent from the charity stripe.