Spalding hiring agent, diving into NBA draft

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville junior forward Ray Spalding says on his Instagram account that he will hire an agent and stay in the NBA draft pool, leaving a third roster opening to fill for new Cardinals coach Chris Mack.

Spalding said after the Cardinals' NIT quarterfinal loss to Mississippi State that he planned to test the draft waters before deciding whether to return for his senior season. The 6-foot-10, 215-pound Louisville native averaged career bests of 12.3 points and 8.7 rebounds last season with 11 double-doubles. Spalding leaves the program along with graduating seniors Anas Mahmoud and Quentin Snider.

Spalding thanked many in Tuesday's Instagram post, including former Cardinals coaches Rick Pitino and David Padgett, fans, and the city ''for allowing me to live out my dream and represent my city.''