A few local players had tough decisions to make prior to yesterday's 5:00PM deadline to withdraw from the NBA draft.
Butler's Gordon Hayward made his decision known well before the deadline. Armed with information that he'd be selected in the middle of the first round, Hayward had to cash in on his NBA dreams while he can and hope his NBA game develops along the way.
Up at Purdue, JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore took advantage of a few workouts with NBA teams to assess where their games stood and with no guaranteed money waiting for them in the draft, they decided to take what they learned from the pros and continue developing with the Boilers. They should have plenty of opportunities to lift their profile for next year's draft since Purdue will be one of the most high-profile teams in the college game next year.
So this should be a truly happy Mother's Day for three local moms knowing their sons made mature, smart decisions that should pay off in the long run.
After the jump, a few links of interest surrounding the draft deadline and Ronnie Artest playing on the edge for the Lakers. As L.A.'s success continues to grow through the playoffs, will Ronnie be able to keep it together?
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Lakers win in a three-point stance
Mike Bresnahan reports on the Lakers taking a 3-0 lead over the Jazz. Ron Artest had a solid game, at one point catching fire from 3-land. That might not be a great development for the Lakers though, if Ronnie starts feeling the need to impose his will at the offensive end it usually ends up backfiring. -
GoldandBlack.com - 'FINAL 4 OR DIE'
Brian Neubert reports on Johnson and Moore making all Purdue fans smile yesterday. -
Final Four, not the NBA, is the goal for Purdue's E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson
Larry Hawley reports on the Final Four weighing into the decision process for Moore and Johnson. -
Johnson's return makes Purdue a force in 2011
Jeff Rabjohns reports on JaJuan Johnson's return to Purdue. -
After Hayward's decision, is Bird's draft move next?
Reggie Hayes wonders if Larry Bird will be tempted by Gordon Hayward's game and local ties with the 10th pick. -
SLAM ONLINE | " Top 5 Point Guard Prospects, Vol. 2
Jeff Fox at SLAM breaks down his top 5 point guards in this year's draft.