The NBA draft is here today. Sixty kids are going to have all of their dreams come true.
That was me. Just six short years ago. What more can I say, everything came down to that day. Success or fail - and there's nothing in between - from my childhood watching Magic throw a no-look pass, or playing as Shaq vs. Hakeem in one-on-one with my dad, to working so hard in the gym...it all came down to my draft day, June 28, 2006.
My lofty goals created dreams and a drive that wouldn't let me quit even in the toughest of times. I knew I had to make it to the NBA.
My draft process truly started at UCLA sitting on Ben Howland's bench, sidelined from an embarrassing groin injury that I suffered during warm ups before the Sacramento State game my senior year (86-56 Bruins win on Dec. 23, 2005). I missed the next six games before returning in January to face Washington. My love for the game grew deeper, seeing how easily it could pass me by, missing those games were the first time I ever missed any time.
It changed my whole mind-set and let me know to go take my team.
I went on to play every minute as my last and take control as a senior should. I earned my starting spot back on a team that won the PAC-10 and came a game away from winning it all. (73-57 loss to Florida in the National Championship game). Hurt from the loss, I stepped away knowing that I had truly earned my goal. I signed with an agent, Todd Ramasar of LSM (Life Sports Management) now of BDA, along with Rico Hines, a teammate I worked out with. I knew going into this experience, I could rest at night knowing that I had given it everything I had...only I didn't get much rest as Rico made sure of banging on my door at 5 a.m. and dragging me to the gym.
Preparing for the draft was a total mind, body and soul experience.
How do you compare this to a job interview? My resume was an NCAA championship appearance and my suit and tie were replaced with sneakers and a jersey. I stood there in the best shape of my life and some workouts tested everything you had and each team workout was different. The sidelines were always filled with scouts, coaches and GMs.
Some workouts ended with a ride to the airport or a head coach sitting me down and letting me know I'm the type of player they wanted.
And then the day finally came, June 28, 2006.
Todd set up a draft party for my closest friends and family at the ESPN Zone in Anaheim. I stood there in my draft suit ready to join the NBA. And no I didn't wear an infamous draft suit like all white or gold or a platinum suit, just a simple black suit with blue pinstripes and a gold tie to represent my Bruins. Knowing I could be drafted anywhere from 10th overall through 50th, it made for a long day and kind of an emotional roller coaster.
As the picks ran by, I watched my name passed by, pick by pick. I understood a lot of them but as the night progressed, I started getting frustrated. I couldn't believe it. I sat there putting targets on each player knowing I had to show those teams what they passed on. I wanted to prove wrong all the naysayers.
Finally the 50th pick was here and and like that, I was a Charlotte Bobcat. There was nothing glamorous about it, I was even picked during a commercial, and to this day I'd have it no other way. Mixed with feelings of exhilaration and anger, I was ready to get back in the gym.
Shortly after the pick, Michael Jordan and Bernie Bickerstaff called to welcome me to the team - yes MJ himself and coach Bickerstaff called me. I was filled with questions, "what do I do? What's the next step? Do I start watching film?"
I was told to just relax and enjoy my day, there will be a lot of hard work ahead.
Years removed from college, I can't say I've watched a single draft since that draft in 2006. If it's one thing I learned about the NBA, it's an elite club, and all it takes is one lazy summer or injury to be passed by. Antawn Jamison told us in a rookie Q & A, "I'll be dammed if a rookie ever steps in and takes my job!"
The NBA is an elite fraternity that few of us are blessed to be a part of.
