Marquette University point guard Dominic James made himself eligible for the NBA draft today, but is not planning to hire an agent.

James has until June 18 to withdraw his name from consideration for the draft and return to Marquette for his junior season.

"This is an opportunity that I want to take advantage of," James said in a release issued by the school. "Coach (Tom Crean) and I talked about our goals at the beginning of the season and one was the option of being drafted. The time is now to take advantage of that option."

In the same press release, Crean said he supports James' decision to explore his chances with the NBA.

"You have to give your players a chance to chase their dreams. If not, you aren't building your program the right way or doing the right thing," Crean said in the release.

In James' two seasons, the Golden Eagles are 44-21 and have appeared in the NCAA Tournament twice.

"Right now, it's a win-win situation," James said. "I can work and get better in the off-season. Hopefully, I can be a pro someday. If that time isn't now, I can come back to Marquette and be a better player for me and my team."