Georgetown men’s basketball player Brandon Bowman announced Thursday that he has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft.

The junior forward has not hired an agent and “will not in order to protect his college eligibility,” according to a press release. A player who submits his name to the draft may return to his college team if he rescinds his declaration before the June 21, 2005, deadline.

A third-team All-Big East selection, Bowman was consistently among the Hoyas’ offensive leaders this past season. He led the team with 15.1 points per game and 42 steals, and he finished second in rebounds per game (6.1), assists (69) and blocks (29).

Bowman also averaged 33.3 minutes per contest and started all 32 of Georgetown’s games.

Bowman’s post-game comment, “I thought it was a three, but I guess my shoe size was too big,” epitomized the Hoyas’ frustration after a Jan. 18 loss to Syracuse. His jumper with 2.3 seconds left tied the game and nearly won it, but officials ruled he had stepped over the three-point line. Georgetown lost 78-73 in overtime.

Senior Sports Communications Director Bill Shapland declined comment on Bowman’s declaration. “It’s a private issue,” he said.

Neither Bowman nor Head Coach John Thompson III was available for comment.