Fare Thee Well, LaMarcus
It appears LaMarcus Aldridge will follow in the footsteps of Longhorn football player Vince Young and leave UT early for the riches of the professional ranks.
The Dallas Morning News is reporting that three sources have all said Aldridge will enter the NBA Draft. While Aldridge had an underwhelming performance against LSU in the Elite 8, most experts still expect him to go in the top-three come draft day. Aldridge averaged 15 pts., 9 reb., 2 blocks per game last season, leading UT to a share of the Big 12 regular season title. Some sources also report that sophomore guard Daniel Gibson and junior forward P.J. Tucker will also make themselves eligible for the draft, but without professional representation - leaving open the opportunity for them to return to school should they feel they would not be taken high in the draft. A player can remove himself from the draft up to ten days before it occurs on June 28.
Aldridge will need to add more size to his wiry frame and learn to be more aggressive, but with his strong knowledge of the game, shot-blocking abilities and excellent footwork, he has tremendous potential at the next level. We wish Aldridge the best of luck.
In other Horns hoops news, coach Rick Barnes received a raise. His salary of $1.8 million makes him the fifth-highest paid coach in the land. The four men above him (Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith, Roy Williams and Tom Izzo) have all won national titles. Hint, hint.
Image (c) Matt Wright.
