You can't blame them; it's just hard not to

At first glance, the news that sophomore guards Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo are declaring for the NBA Draft is devastating to UCLA basketball.

After coming oh-so-close to hanging a 12th banner in Pauley Pavilion, Bruin fans were already dreaming of just how good the team might be next year. Without Farmar and Afflalo, though, any realistic chance of a repeat trip to the Final Four is gone.

Still, Farmar and Afflalo choosing to declare for the draft is not that bad. Since neither contracted an agent, both will be able to return to UCLA for their junior seasons.

While most fans (myself included), as well as the coaching staff, would selfishly want both star guards to stay at UCLA for what would be a memorable 2006-2007 season, both are making smart decisions.

With the NBA imposing an age minimum on draft-eligible players for the first time, this year's lottery in June will be devoid of such high school stars as Greg Oden and Kevin Durant, who in years past would have certainly gone early in the first round.

Because of this, Farmar and Afflalo are both entering what many feel is a weaker draft than in years past. This increases both guards' chance of being drafted in the first round, where contracts are guaranteed.

Both players said Thursday that they would return to UCLA if they were not likely to be selected in the first round in June.

Of course I would love both these guys to stick around Westwood and try to win another title at UCLA, but I understand that we live in reality and not a fantasy land.

These players have the opportunity to make an incredible sum of money playing a game that they love. That, combined with the allure of playing the sport at the highest level, is just too tempting to overcome.

If the positions were switched, and I were the one blessed with the athletic talent to play in the NBA, I would undoubtedly make the same decision. If most of you are honest, you would too.

I support them in their decision because it is the right one for them. Coach Ben Howland agrees.

"I am totally, 100 percent behind Arron and Jordan in their decision to test the waters and give this opportunity a great shot," Howland said. "They have helped start something which is very special. We are very, very proud of them."

If both players return next year, the team will likely be the best this campus has seen since the 1995 national title winners. The return of Josh Shipp and the addition of freshmen James Keefe and Russell Westbrook will give the Bruins ridiculous depth and experience.

Of course, next year's success hinges entirely on Farmar's and Afflalo's draft status. I have a feeling Afflalo will return next year, as he is reportedly viewed more as a second-rounder right now. Farmar is rated higher and more likely to be drafted in the first round because he plays a premium position (point guard) and there is a dearth of good floor generals in the draft.

However, we will all have to wait and see because nobody really knows what the NBA types are thinking.

If Afflalo and Farmar blow people away in their workouts and secure positions in the first round and, thus, their financial futures, I will not blame them for moving on to the next level. And I don't think the rest of the UCLA community should either.

The potential earnings are too great not to at least test the process, as both are doing now. I don't think any Bruin should fault them for their decision.

Both players have done nothing except represent UCLA with class and dignity, and both are still doing things the right way by leaving the door open for a potential return to school.

I trust that both players, whatever they decide, will make the right choice.

E-mail Lee at jlee3@media.ucla.edu if you hope Farmar gets drafted by the Lakers to play alongside Kobe Bryant.