[LitlBuck]

It appears as though underclassmen won't be allowed to string out the process of testing the NBA waters next year.

The NCAA legislative council voted Monday to move up the date from 10 days prior to the draft (which is held in late-June) to May 8 to decide whether they will remain in the NBA Draft or withdraw their names and preserve their college eligibility.

The change will go into place for next season unless the NCAA?s Division I board of directors overrules the decision on April 30.

"I think it's a move in the right direction," Kansas coach Bill Self told FOXSports.com. "It's still difficult to be able to replace guys at that point, but it helps solidify things earlier. I think it's a good move, but I still wish the NCAA and NBA could work together to shorten it even more."

Now players will have a short window to declare for the NBA Draft and gauge their status. Currently, players have until Sunday, April 26 to decide whether they want to test the waters and don't have to make a final decision whether to withdraw until mid-June.

That's a six-week or so period where many of them aren't attending classes and are getting bombarded by agents and runners.

"It's definitely beneficial for the college programs," said Ohio State coach Thad Matta, who has lost four players in the last three years early to the NBA. "I think it'll give more clarity to the programs. The waiting game is quicker and that?ll be beneficial."

It also means that the underclassmen won't have a chance to fly around the country and work out for a dozen or two NBA teams before making a decision ? as has been the case in recent years.

"It's also another three or four weeks that the kids who decide to come back are in school instead of traveling around," Self added. "It allows kids a chance to work towards graduation."

The proposal also removes the option for draft entrants who are not chosen in the NBA Draft to return to college. Previously, those who were not selected in the draft had 30 days after the draft to declare their intention to return.

UNDERCLASSMEN MAY HAVE LESS TIME TO TEST NBA WATERS • College Hoop Blog: Good 'N Plenty - FOX Sports Blogs