Arkansas sophomore point guard Courtney Fortson has decided to declare for the NBA draft, but has not hired an agent, head basketball coach John Pelphrey said Sunday.

By not hiring an agent, Fortson has until May 8 to withdraw his name from the draft and return to the team. The 2010 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 24.

Fortson led the Hogs with 17.9 points per game this season and led the SEC in assists at 5.9 per game. He was a second-team All-SEC player and was named the SEC Player of the Week on Feb. 8 after leading Arkansas to a pair of wins over Georgia and Auburn and averaging more than 25 points per game.

“Courtney is an extremely gifted basketball player,” said Pelphrey. “He certainly has the talent to play the game of basketball at the highest levels and we support him in his decision to explore that option. More than anything we appreciate Courtney and his family communicating to us his intentions and support his actions whichever they may be.”

Fortson remains enrolled in classes at Arkansas.

A similar situation occurred last season when Mike Washington declared for the draft following his junior season. He later withdrew his name and returned to the team.