Latavious Williams Chooses D-League Over China

[La Bomba]

Latavious Williams made history Thursday when he became the first high school player ever to jump straight to the NBA D-League.

 

The Tulsa 66ers chose Williams with the 16th overall pick. Tulsa is an affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

 

His high school coach said Williams turned down a $100,000 guaranteed contract to play in China in favor of entering the NBDL Draft because he felt it gave him a better shot at reaching the NBA. The average D-League salary is between $35,000-$40,000.

 

“He had a contract on the table that could’ve paid him $100,000 or better in China but he had to weigh the pros and cons,” said Carlos Wilson of Humble (Texas) Christian Life Center. “It came down to taking the money and getting some financial stability for now, but still you’re a long way from the NBA when you’re in China. Or taking the least amount of money and being a step closer instead of four steps closer.”

The 6-foot-8, 205-pound Williams initially committed to Memphis in May but faced academic hurdles that endangered his eligibility. He then announced in July that he would play overseas instead.

 

“Obviously if a kid has a chance to play professionally and have a chance financially to better him and his family, again, you have to support the kid because that’s No. 1,” Memphis head coach Josh Pastner told the Memphis Commercial Appeal in July.

 

http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/11/07/williams-chooses-nbdl-over-china/

 

I think money and grades were the main issues here, but we could of really used him this year in Memphis.

[The Next Knick]

I think this shows a lot of heart for this kid, he really could have chosen the money over the love of the game. Now he'll play with some of the best players in the world and have a chance to eventually see NBA time. Respect gained