WRALSportsFan
Hickson to Explore NBA Draft
By Jeff Gravley Mar 18, 2008
It could be one and done for N.C. State freshman J.J. Hickson. Monday night on his final radio show of the year, Wolfpack coach Sidney Lowe said that Hickson will test the waters and enter his name in the NBA draft. The option to return to N.C. State remains open as long as Hickson doesn't hire an agent.
The host of Lowe's radio show, Tony Haynes, said Lowe added that he will do all he can to help Hickson but would love to have him back. Hickson will probably go through draft camp and seek as much feedback as he can get. From that information, he'll make a decision whether to begin his pro career or come back to N.C. State for his sophomore season.
As a freshman, Hickson led the Wolfpack in scoring and rebounding with 14.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. In State's final game, a 60-53 loss to Miami in the ACC Tournament, Hickson recorded his 10th double-double of the season with 27 points and 14 boards.
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Most Recent Comments
Just because he needs another year to "ripen" doesn't matter to the NBA. What also doesn't matter is making his millions in his first contract. He is probably good enough (ala Josh Powell) and has the size for his position to make it on his team...learn...and get that next contract worth a lot of beans. This guy is built and has raw talent. He is not Julius - or certainly not Joe Forte. Joe Forte? Come on dude.
It would be nice to see him stick around and get better, but those coaches in the NBA will make him better in just a season of drills. That ain't gonna happen in the RBC with a bunch of guard coaches.
JJ Hickson ... Josh Powell ... two outstanding athletes that needed one more year to ripen into NBA greatness. Sigh.
If he doesn't want to be at State....Then I'd just as soon he move on. Not to mention what the message he is sending his team mates by "testing the waters". Just lt him go and let's move on.
Sure, I'd like to see him stay too....I just don't think he is going to play for NC State any more. See ya J.J.
He is not ready. If he goes he will sit on the bench and then fade away. He still needs to work on several areas of his game. So what if he averaged 14 per game. He didn't make any ACC team. Remember Joe Forte?
Admittedly I am biased and want him to come back. But I really think he would be better off with at least one more year in college under his belt. If he is projected as a 2nd rounder, he would be financially better off to boost his NBA stock with one more year in college. The salary difference could be well worth the wait.
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