Jared Dudley Interview (Long but good read)

[Dead_Real]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports...s29dudley.html

Like many third-graders, Jared Dudley told anyone who would listen that, one day, he was going to the NBA. For most young kids, that dream never turns to reality, but yesterday when the Charlotte Bobcats took Dudley with the 22nd pick in the NBA draft, his childhood hopes came to fruition.
“This is something I have wanted my whole entire life,” said Dudley, who played for Horizon High. “I told everybody I would make it, my mom said I would make it, and it finally happened.”

ESPN analysts hailed the move by the Bobcats, saying that Dudley, while not the most athletic player, is smart, multidimensional and has a great feel for the game.

In each of the Bobcats' three seasons, they have looked to add experienced players who have succeeded at the college level, and they did so yesterday in getting Dudley.

“I think they saw in me that I can step in and contribute,” Dudley said. “I am willing to learn, I am unselfish and I think it is a good fit for me.”

The reigning ACC Player of the Year was expected to go late in the first round or early in the second, but with strong workouts for teams throughout the first round and an MVP performance at the Orlando predraft camp, the forward rose quickly on draft boards.

“I expected to go first round from the beginning,” Dudley said. “I think that I earned it with my hard work.”

With Dudley's size (6-7, 225), demeanor and skill set, the Bobcats were the perfect choice for him. Their fast-paced system will allow Dudley to use his best assets to help the team, namely his shooting touch and passing. And, on a team that features such a young nucleus, his experience will come in handy.

He played four seasons at Boston College and started every game while averaging nearly 37 minutes. As a senior he averaged 19 points and 8.3 rebounds.

Dudley goes to a team that went 33-49 last season and missed the playoffs. But he is bringing his hustle and relentless drive to a team that already has a defensive stopper in Emeka Okafor, a solid point guard in Raymond Felton and last year's first-rounder, Adam Morrison.



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“I just can't wait to get my number and put on a Bobcats uniform,” Dudley said.
Dudley's new club was busy on draft night. The Bobcats acquired swingman Jason Richardson from Golden State for North Carolina's Brandan Wright, the eighth pick overall. Charlotte also got the Warriors' second-round pick, forward Jermareo Davidson of Alabama.

Dudley celebrated his new job with 200 of his closest friends and family downtown at Club Belo.

“It was great to have people from the city be there, people that watched me and supported me since I was young,” Dudley said.

A second local player chosen in the draft was Lincoln High's Dominic McGuire of Fresno State. Washington selected the 6-8 forward in the second round. McGuire, who averaged 13.5 points as a junior last season for the Bulldogs, played two seasons at Cal before transferring to Fresno State.

He came off as cocky on the college level but I really like this guy after reading this interview.

PS - Still looking for a new J-Rich interview I'll post soon as I find one.

[dvdbumpus]

Good article. I'm a little less worried about this pick now. I knew very little other than his stats and a few games here and there about him, but having that expereience should help a lot. I don't think he'll ever be a starter, but probably will be more of a fringe starter who might get minutes for being versatile. Can he play the 2 at all?

I still think we oughtta taken Almond.

[Dunk]

I agree, Almond would have been the better pick.

Maybe with the style that Vincent wants to implement that Dudley is a better fit. I don't know. A few folks had him as a big sleeper in the draft.