Nick made his decision to enter the NBA draft today. Here are some quotes from ESPN.com:
"I want to buy my mom her first house. That's one of the main reasons I made this decision," Young said Tuesday at a news conference on campus. "It was tough for us. They've been behind me all the way.
"The opportunity was there to help them have a better life. It's a blessing. I'm very grateful for everything that's going on."
..."What we did last year was very outstanding. I had dreams of doing it next year," Young said. "It was a tough decision. It was a tough thing, leaving this program. I just love this program."
..."Coach Floyd didn't want me to leave, but he said, 'First round, I'd do the same thing.' It was hard telling him," Young said. "He's an NBA coach -- he did everything possible to help me on defense, make me a better man."
...Young said he's been told he'll be a first-round pick.
"I've heard anywhere from 12 to 25," he said. "The opportunity is there for me."
...Young played forward and guard at USC. As to his future, he said: "Everybody's saying a 2-guard. I've got to get ready to guard Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady."
...Young said he plans to return to school and graduate.
"Oh, yeah, most definitely. I want to come back and get my degree," he said.
I think Nick has the potential to have a good (not great) career in the NBA. A lot of it will depend on the situation he's put in his first few years. He still has a lot to learn and his development early on will be crucial towards a long-term career in the league. I of course wish him the best and hope he ends up an All-Star...
