Shackleford to Turn Pro, Skip Season at North Carolina State

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State center Charles Shackleford said Tuesday he will skip his senior season and turn pro.

“I have given this decision a great deal of thought for a number of weeks,” the 6-10 junior said in a release. “In talking with Coach (Jim) Valvano a few weeks ago, I thought I was staying at the school. But I have changed my mind. I now believe it is in the best interest that I apply for the (National Basketball Assn.) hardship draft.”

Shackleford earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors last season, averaging 16.6 points a game and leading the ACC in rebounding with 9.6 per game.

The Wolfpack finished the 1988 season with a 24-8 record, 10-4 in the ACC.

“I have had weekly discussions with Charles and told him I would support his decision either way,” Valvano said. “He notified me late Monday of his intentions to apply for the hardship draft. He will be a loss to our program next year, but we appreciate the contributions he has made over the last three years.”