EAST LANSING - Its time to waive goodbye to Shannon Brown.
The MSU junior guard has hired and agent to represent him in the upcoming NBA draft forfeiting the remaining portion of his collegiate eligibility, Scout.com's Mike Fowler has learned.
Brown has retained noted NBA agent Mark Bartlestein, who previously had just given Brown advice, to be his agent in a move that means he can no longer return to Michigan State.
MSU head coach Tom Izzo acknowledged the move according to sources. Brown has received enough positive feedback from Bartlestein that he is positive he will be a first round pick. If in fact that happens, he will receive a guaranteed three-year contract, if he slips into the second round, nothing is guaranteed.
The move is yet another blow for the hopes of the MSU basketball team. Yesterday, MSU received word that forward Marquise Gray re-injured his broken foot and would be sidelined for up to six weeks.
The Spartans will have to rely heavily on fifth year medical redshirt Drew Naymick, juniors Goran Suton and Drew Neitzel to provide veteran leadership to a talented group of incoming freshman.