Monday, June 28, 2004
Knowing What's Coming
Andy Katz argues UCLA's Trevor Ariza was one of draft night's big losers. I disagree.For some reason, Trevor liked his chances from the get-go. He knew what was coming. Shortly after announcing his intention to leave UCLA, he signed with an agent. Without getting a first-round guarantee. Or having unrealistic expectations.
Ariza had declared after a mediocre freshman year on a mediocre team. His play in pre-draft practices and camps, however, impressed scouts. His stock rose in the two months leading up the draft and he surpassed consensus first-team All-American Ryan Gomes on most draft boards. On draft night, he went 43rd to New York.
Ariza wanted out. He got it. And -- given his unremarkable year in college -- an impressively good shot at the NBA.
