Delonte West, second from left

It was a surprising move, considering that West isn't projected as a first-round pick. Only first-round picks are guaranteed contracts in the NBA.

Saint Joseph's guard Delonte West decided Thursday to stay in the NBA draft, giving up his senior season with the Hawks.

It was a surprising move, considering that West isn't projected as a first-round pick. Only first-round picks are guaranteed contracts in the NBA. West was on his way back to Philadelphia on Thursday after participating in a workout with former Hawks' teammate Jameer Nelson in Miami.

Glenn Farello, West's coach at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md., helped as an adviser during the NBA workouts. He said the decision was a tough one for West.

"He was torn," Farello said. "He feels with the information provided to him, there was a comfort level where he felt there's enough interest in him to support his decision. He understands the risks."

The move could also hurt tiny Saint Joseph's, which also lost Nelson. The two formed one of the best backcourts in the country, helping the Hawks finish 30-2, reaching No. 1 in the AP poll for the first time in school history and earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

With West, the Hawks probably still would have one of the teams to beat in the Atlantic 10. Without him, Saint Joe's could be in for a rebuilding season.

"He followed his heart and he believes in it," Farello said. "I support him 100%."

West, an honorable mention AP All-America last season, attended the NBA's pre-draft camp in Chicago and played well despite a sprained right foot.

West averaged 18.9 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Hawks as they raced to a 27-0 start. He spent most of the season in the shadow of Nelson, the consensus player of the year. Still, West was loved on Hawk Hill, where students donned cowboys hats and "Wild, Wild West" T-shirts.

With his left-handed release, strong free-throw shooting and knack for knocking down off-balance shots West became one of the toughest players to defend in the conference.

His breakout game came against Xavier in January, when he went 12-for-12 from the floor, including three three-pointers, and was 6-for-6 from the line for a career-high 33 points.

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