Duquesne's Shawn James, a 6-foot-10 junior, yesterday took the first step to what he hopes will be an NBA career when he submitted paperwork to Stu Jackson, NBA vice-president of operations.

James is seeking an evaluation by the league of his strengths and weaknesses and potential draft status.

The league will evaluate players between April 15 and April 25 and the player has until April 27 to make an early declaration into the 2008 NBA draft. The deadline for withdrawing is June 16.

A player doesn't lose college eligibility until he signs with an agent or enters the draft.

"Shawn has no plans on hiring an agent in the near future. He's just testing the waters," Duquesne coach Ron Everhart said of James, who averaged 12.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and ranked fifth nationally with 4.0 blocks. He played with shoulder and back injuries for much of the year.

"I think I'm capable of playing on that level," James was quoted as saying on InsideHoops.com. "I'm just looking forward for the opportunity."