Gordon discusses his NBA draft decision
On Monday, Jamont Gordon said he finally made up his mind that the right thing to do as far as his carrer is concerned is declare himself available for the NBA draft in June.
This afternoon, he’ll make it official by faxing all of is paperwork to the NBA offices in New York City.
“I’ts been a tough decision, but this is my dream,” he said during a phone interview. “I want to take my game to another level.
“It’s time for me to step into the real world.”
He said he won’t hire an agent, but is confident he’ll get drafted. He also said Rick Stansbury told him at the end of the season he probably should go ahead and turn pro.
As for his plans in the next couple of weeks, he said he’ll attend an NBA camp in Orlanda in May. After that, he’d have to see what’s available.
April 22, 2008 at 12:21 pm
So is he going to be eligible after missing so much class or not? If not he might as well hire an agent and lets stans know something for sure.
April 22, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Basketball players usually only take 12 hours of joke classes in the spring anyway. They take their real classes in the summer and fall. He only has class on Tuesday and Thursday, so he only missed four of those days. The other thing is, some of those type classes aren’t very strict on the attendance either. I don’t believe that will be an issue if we are lucky enough to have him back.
However, I am hearing things that make me believe he is a first rounder. Shane Power wrote an article about him and said that at a predraft camp while Jamont was gone, when the top guards got the ball they purposely went away from Jamont. No one wants any part of him. In the Memphis game, Rose and Roberts got theirs but not while they were guarded by Jamont. Jamont was the best player on the floor, and I think people in the NBA are beginning to realize it. Go ahead and bash his shot. He had a terrible last three weeks and still shot 31% from three. Bash his ballhandling, but he got fouled every time he touched the ball. Bash his turnovers, but realize he will not have to make as many plays for teammates at the next level. I think he could be a very good player at the next level. His defense is phenomenal. I hope we can get him back, but I think he will do us proud either way.
Sorry for being so long winded. But that’s my take.
April 22, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I may be totally off base here, but it sounds like Stans is a little tired of Jamont. Now, I’ll admit I do look for the overtones in any comment. But him saying that Stans told him hi should probably go pro sounds funny to me.
April 22, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I kind of doubt Stans is tired of having the best player in the SEC.
April 22, 2008 at 1:14 pm
“It’s time for me to step into the real world.”
Good luck with all that. Just remember how dollars translate into euros.
April 22, 2008 at 1:30 pm
good point JCD, Chris I wondered that my self, but he is no doubt a great player, and could really stand out in the NBA
April 22, 2008 at 1:33 pm
that’s funny TGL, McDonalds don’t taste the same their either
April 22, 2008 at 1:33 pm
there sorry
April 22, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I’m not saying that Stans wasn’t telling him to do what was best for him, but the tone it seemed to have when he said he told him he should go. most time the coach would say”if you feel like you’re ready, or do what’s you feel is best for you”. Not I think you need to go pro. But that’s just me.
April 22, 2008 at 3:14 pm
chris, I think the same thing. There is only so much a system can do around one player and I think Stans is ready to get these other guys into the offense. I am through bashing Jamont because he was a special “college” player and I’m thankful we had him. But I do think Stans is ready to move on from the drama of Ben, Jamont’s draft ego, and likely Phil Turner whose feelings are going to get hurt without more playing time this coming year. We’ll see…should be an interesting lineup without Gordon running the show.
April 22, 2008 at 3:50 pm
you know Jamont, you are a great player, you oughtta test the waters, no really, whats college anyway, really try out the NBA, what if you end up in Europe- Ive got 3 former players who’ll let you live with them, really just try it
April 22, 2008 at 4:20 pm
and they have an awesome royale w/ cheese. and the weathergirls strip naked!