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New Mexico’s Tony Snell enters name into NBA Draft

New Mexico v Harvard

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 21: Wesley Saunders #23 of the Harvard Crimson reacts in the second half alongside Tony Snell #21 of the New Mexico Lobos during the second round of the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 21, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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Looks like Tony Snell is joining the host of others trying their luck in the NBA Draft.

The Albuquerque ESPN affiliate 101.7 The Team is reporting that the New Mexico guard is going to enter his name into the NBA Draft. He reportedly will not hire an agent.

The 6-7, 200-pound junior averaged 12.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 31.2 minutes per game for the Lobos this season, who were upset by Harvard in the second (first) round of the NCAA Tournament.

His three-point shooting has improved every year, culminating with his 39-percent clip this season. He’s also a great free throw shooter at 84.3 percent (86-for-102 this season).

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This would be a blow to Steve Alford’s team if Snell does stay in the draft. The Lobos were slated to have all five starters back in the fold for next year and should be even better as a result. And with San Diego State definitely losing guys like James Rahon and Chase Tapley and possibly losing Jamaal Franklin, paired with UNLV losing Anthony Bennett, they could be in position to dominate the Mountain West.

It wouldn’t kill any chances if Snell goes, it would just further them if he stays. New Mexico will be fine as long as no one else leaves, should Snell stay in the draft.

As far as Snell’s stock, he’s tall and athletic and can play well in big games (he scored 21 in the MWC title game against UNLV), most of the time. However, you wonder how bad that nine-point performance in the Lobos’ first-round exit will resonate with him. But this seems like a 50/50 chance for Snell on whether he stays or goes.

Follow David Harten on Twitter at @David_Harten